tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89261051229381149972017-08-17T19:00:54.606-04:00POPPYSEEDER | Beauty, Music, and New England Lifestyle BlogPoppyseeder is a Maine-based lifestyle blog. Here you'll find beauty, music, New England adventures, and more. Amanda Fagannoreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-29732339537774288752017-08-17T08:00:00.000-04:002017-08-17T08:00:13.225-04:00Review: August Ipsy Glam Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIYGTOjz6IA/WZGqP5yIwXI/AAAAAAAAGE8/slQV7Nx3kZcH1CZOAyQFRb_L6fWGbBRewCLcBGAs/s1600/35692383033_4b3809f9dc_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="August 2017 Ipsy Glam Bag review" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIYGTOjz6IA/WZGqP5yIwXI/AAAAAAAAGE8/slQV7Nx3kZcH1CZOAyQFRb_L6fWGbBRewCLcBGAs/s1600/35692383033_4b3809f9dc_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />The August Ipsy Glam Bag theme was "Good Vibes Only," and was all about being positive, thankful, and well...good vibes. This bag came in three different colors with three different phrases. I wasn't a fan of any of the bag designs. More specifically, I think they would have been much better without the cheesy, overdone phrases, but that's just me. So much for being positive, huh? Let's talk about what really matters-- the contents of the bag.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5t0Ipa0uiSk/WZNHgeN_sTI/AAAAAAAAGJM/m2MilzFlI7AlR16RscSIaylNMldnbFG1gCLcBGAs/s1600/august_ipsy_glambag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="August 2017 Ipsy Glam Bag review" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5t0Ipa0uiSk/WZNHgeN_sTI/AAAAAAAAGJM/m2MilzFlI7AlR16RscSIaylNMldnbFG1gCLcBGAs/s1600/august_ipsy_glambag.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><b>1.&nbsp;<a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/eZlg" rel="nofollow">MAKE UP FOR EVER Excessive Lash Arresting Volume Mascara, $25-&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</b>I don't know if I got a dud or if this mascara is just really crappy. I had to apply a ton of coats before it even started to do anything, and it didn't do much. It didn't lift my eyelashes at all and barely made them look more voluminous. It all kind of sat at the base of my lashes and didn't coat the whole length of them. And on my bottom lashes-- ugh. It was so clumpy and dried so quickly, I was barely able to fix it with a spooly. I'll pass.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oct4tQDrN8M/WZNKNB0MT4I/AAAAAAAAGJY/i7lFchTEZu4PAyhGBV34lTbZgnX53HnsQCLcBGAs/s1600/36501261385_36b10b3ef2_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="theBalm Cosmetics Voyage 2 Palette " border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oct4tQDrN8M/WZNKNB0MT4I/AAAAAAAAGJY/i7lFchTEZu4PAyhGBV34lTbZgnX53HnsQCLcBGAs/s1600/36501261385_36b10b3ef2_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><b>2.</b> <b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/eZl4" rel="nofollow">theBalm Cosmetics Voyage Vol. 2 Eyeshadow in Kuwakaribisha (currently only available in the Voyage 2 Palette), $39.50-</a>&nbsp;</b>This is a shimmery, light peachy shade and is so pretty. It's great as a highlight or an allover shadow when I'm feeling kinda lazy with my makeup. It's such a nice color and very versatile.<br /><br /><b>3. <a href="http://www.auroracosmeticsny.com/shop/face/pro-coverup-concealer.html" rel="nofollow">AURORA Pro Color Corrector in Pistachio, $8-</a> </b>&nbsp;I usually use <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/eZq0" rel="nofollow">NYX's green color corrector</a>, which I have to be very careful with. If I accidentally apply a tiniest bit too much, I end up looking like the Wicked Witch of the West. When using this product, I went in with caution but I was surprised to see how well it blended and covered red spots on my skin. I could go ham with this stuff and it would still blend out. I'm so pleased with it and I think I'm going to buy a full size tube. It just makes covering red spots so easy. It's great to not have to worry about turning my whole face green.<br /><br /><b>4. <a href="https://slmissglambeauty.com/?src=0817gr" rel="nofollow">SLMissGlam T35 Precision Blending Brush-</a>&nbsp;</b>I can't seem to find this exact brush or a price for it anywhere, but oh well. I love this little brush, it's fluffy but not too fluffy so it's easy to work with and makes blending super easy. It's cute, works well, and the bristles are cruelty free!<br /><br /><b>5. <a href="https://www.cupidrop.com/products/nature-recipe-mask-pack?variant=32701172161/?src=0817gr" rel="nofollow">Secret Key Nature Recipe Sheet Mask in Honey and Tea Tree-&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</b>Another product that I couldn't find a price for, but I'm sure it isn't over $7 for each one. Unlike many other sheet masks, this one actually does smell like the scent/formula. You know how all TONYMOLY sheet masks smell the same no matter the formula? These ones had distinct smells. Anyway, I loved these sheet masks. They smelled great, very very hydrating, and my face felt great afterwards.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uHEIM2s_Nk/WZGspELlcII/AAAAAAAAGFY/nQe79vRWK9YrLGksGEfJtr9CeBKQ549JwCLcBGAs/s1600/page-break-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="95" data-original-width="987" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uHEIM2s_Nk/WZGspELlcII/AAAAAAAAGFY/nQe79vRWK9YrLGksGEfJtr9CeBKQ549JwCLcBGAs/s1600/page-break-01.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Ipsy has also been making some changes lately. Members used to be able to review products on their website as soon as their bags were marked as delivered, but now Ipsy requires more time after delivery. My bag was delivered on the 9th, but I am not able to send in my reviews until the 23rd-- I think it's a great idea. This will hopefully cut down on impulsive reviews and thus product reviews on the Ipsy website might be more accurate and thorough from now on. We'll see!<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohCzuSzeO8o/WZGrIZU5Z9I/AAAAAAAAGFI/TIUMPGdBz2gy2gbPL2ON1aPOvG9HdqjHgCEwYBhgL/s1600/35666297274_436ba9e806_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ipsy Shopper cash back" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohCzuSzeO8o/WZGrIZU5Z9I/AAAAAAAAGFI/TIUMPGdBz2gy2gbPL2ON1aPOvG9HdqjHgCEwYBhgL/s1600/35666297274_436ba9e806_o.jpg" title="" /></a><br />&nbsp;Ipsy also announced this month that they have started a new cash back program for members only called Ipsy Shopper. You can receive cash back via PayPal or check for purchases from brands like NYX, Luxie, Eyeko, and many more. I haven't tried this out yet because I'm pretty dedicated to using <a href="https://www.ebates.com/r/AMANDA57449?eeid=28187" rel="nofollow">Ebates</a> for easy cash back, but maybe I'll start comparing Ebates and Ipsy Shopper to see who gives the best percentage back. Don't forget that to use Ipsy Shopper you have to be an<a href="https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=ppage_opensubs&amp;sid=link&amp;refer=10dtm3" rel="nofollow"> Ipsy member</a> and then download the <a href="https://shopper.ipsy.com/" rel="nofollow">Ipsy Shopper app</a>.<br /><br /><b><i>Have you tried any of these products? Are you excited about Ipsy Shopper? Let me know in the comments!</i></b>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-4103895135562027592017-08-15T08:00:00.000-04:002017-08-15T08:00:01.698-04:00I Said Goodbye to the Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_d7V349zso/WZH7NoeQNnI/AAAAAAAAGHA/NLT8t-tu3esaXfR1NoKuZz7-eF2Yb-SnwCLcBGAs/s1600/poppyseeder_blogheaderchange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="poppyseeder blog, blogging confidence " border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_d7V349zso/WZH7NoeQNnI/AAAAAAAAGHA/NLT8t-tu3esaXfR1NoKuZz7-eF2Yb-SnwCLcBGAs/s1600/poppyseeder_blogheaderchange.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />You've probably noticed that I said goodbye to the flowers. The flowers that I'm referring to are the giant pink poppies that were on my old header. I've also said goodbye to a font that I had grown to hate. It's crazy that I felt so stifled by a blog header, but...<br /><br />If you've been reading this blog from the very beginning, you'll know that this blog wasn't always called Poppyseeder. Last September I bought this domain and I've been so happy with it, which is significant since I'm typically quite wishy-washy about this sort of thing, which almost certainly stems from self-doubt. I really wasn't happy with my old header, though, and I wasn't from the start. I kinda slapped it together and thought, "good enough for now." But over the last 6 months or so, I really started to dislike it and even felt a little embarrassed by it, as trivial as that may sound.<br /><br />I had expressed on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PPPYSDR" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a>&nbsp;quite a few times over the past few months that I was working on a new header but having difficulties.&nbsp;I was absolutely determined to do it myself. I was trying to make a header by hand, by scanning things, or using Photoshop. I could envision the header I wanted so clearly but just couldn't seem to deliver, possibly because I was trying to make it too complex and detailed and was overestimating my abilities. I started getting discouraged and frustrated because I didn't think my old header suited me and this is my little space on the internet, so it <i>should</i> suit me pretty darn well, right?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud-kBxco-xw/WZID8OQwx9I/AAAAAAAAGHg/TQcYHaWJtY4U80JnlKVB8rX5UTEWTmBJQCLcBGAs/s1600/giphy%2B%25283%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="bojack horseman, fonts, procrastination, blogger problems " border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud-kBxco-xw/WZID8OQwx9I/AAAAAAAAGHg/TQcYHaWJtY4U80JnlKVB8rX5UTEWTmBJQCLcBGAs/s1600/giphy%2B%25283%2529.gif" title="" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#relatable (<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/bojack-horseman-for-your-consideration-raphael-bob-waksberg-QhWkFn3BO3FrG/" rel="nofollow">source</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table>I hated how my blog looked and thus started hating my blog in general. Not that a new header magically fixed everything, I'm certainly not saying that my blog is perfect now. For a while I gave up with making a new header because working on it wasn't even fun anymore. I felt stuck in a rut and started Googling how to "take your blog to the next level"-- which honestly sounds so cheesy to me, but oh well. Almost every single article I read mentioned refreshing the blog theme or header. I reluctantly started playing in Photoshop again, only to become frustrated and ready to give up a few hours later.<br /><br />While scrolling through a folder, looking for a file that I probably deleted ages ago, I came across a little texture-y experiment that I made over a year ago for a vintage shop that I was planning on opening.* I don't know why, but I just <i>really love it </i>but I had totally forgotten about it. I slapped some text over it, and boom. Done deal.<br /><br />Now more than ever, I feel like my blog reflects me well and where I want to take my blog in the future, and all I did was change my header. Moral of the story: don't overthink things, don't overwork yourself, and take a step back occasionally. I know this has been said a million times, but blogging should be fun.<br /><br />Say goodbye to the old header!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5-XIxBvgNcU/WZH8_LBUMaI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/MgNAt6IWAeIQ2SmU6VAQucJNo7QjJNFTgCLcBGAs/s1600/poppyseeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="maine blog, new england blog" border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="1540" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5-XIxBvgNcU/WZH8_LBUMaI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/MgNAt6IWAeIQ2SmU6VAQucJNo7QjJNFTgCLcBGAs/s1600/poppyseeder.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />*<i>Opening an online vintage shop is still a dream of mine and I plan to follow through with it-- but after I buy my own house. I'll give an update on this eventually.&nbsp;</i>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-85952028922921843702017-08-12T08:00:00.000-04:002017-08-12T08:00:00.183-04:00Life Lately + Link Love #6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sfNTSdJ6ho/WY3kbJgKRAI/AAAAAAAAGEc/Tl0B45S92aAmYeaKHkkU-yuO73VE2EcjwCLcBGAs/s1600/35692388673_3401cbc907_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Maine Blogger, New England Blogger" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sfNTSdJ6ho/WY3kbJgKRAI/AAAAAAAAGEc/Tl0B45S92aAmYeaKHkkU-yuO73VE2EcjwCLcBGAs/s1600/35692388673_3401cbc907_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><h3><u>Life Lately:&nbsp;</u></h3><div><u><br /></u></div><div>In case you missed it, Spencer and I visited <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/07/baxter-state-park.html">Baxter State Park</a>&nbsp;a few days before my actual birthday and I'm already dying to go back. It was so beautiful and so much fun, but we only saw a little bit of the park. We didn't even have time to visit the brand spankin' new Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument-- but we'll fix that soon!</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't really make any plans for my actual birthday, so we decided to try out a local trail that we hadn't hiked before. We went to the <a href="http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/381c99_eb84af31f1f64616858a7fc6b8671563.pdf" rel="nofollow">Richard Hodson Preserve</a> in Camden because it boasts a babbling brook and at the top, a blueberry field with views of nearby mountains and the Penobscot Bay. Long story short, because the blueberry field is part of a working farm, that part of the trail-- the best part of the trail, and the whole reason why we went-- is closed until October. To be fair, there was a sign about halfway through warning that a portion of the trail was closed, but it didn't specify where so Spencer and I trekked on, hopeful that we'd get to see the beautiful views that we were promised. Nope. It was a bummer, but still good exercise and now we know of a good place to hike when October rolls around.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>We've also been spending tons of time at <a href="http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/381c99_3e82422eaece441aaeb1f41f28ded1a3.pdf" rel="nofollow">Fernald's Neck Preserve</a> in Lincolnville, right on Megunticook Lake. The last time that we were there, I got within about 2 inches of a skunk (not on purpose, obviously) and it's a miracle that I didn't get skunked. Actually, I'll give myself some credit-- I <i>bolted</i>. So shoutout to me for running away so quickly. Ha.&nbsp;</div><div><br />I guess I could summarize all this with "I've been doing a ton of hiking lately."&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXIwc6rlbEY/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Poppyseeder (@pppysdr)</a> on <time datetime="2017-07-29T16:15:37+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 29, 2017 at 9:15am PDT</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br /><h3><u>Link Love:</u></h3><div><u><br /></u></div><div><ul><li>First, thanks to the <a href="http://www.coastalmountains.org/">Coastal Mountains Land Trust</a> for managing all the preserves that I've been frequenting this summer. They do great work and the local community is lucky to have them.&nbsp;</li><li>While browsing <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EpochBelfast/" rel="nofollow">Epoch</a>, a vintage store in Belfast, I came across stacks and stacks of paintings from local artist Hillary White. She has tons of awesome stuff for sale on her <a href="https://society6.com/wytrab8/prints?show=new" rel="nofollow">Society6 page</a>-- and I love it all.&nbsp;</li><li>I recently became acquainted with Rosie's blog, <a href="http://www.girlinawe.com/" rel="nofollow">Girl in Awe</a>, and there are <i>so many</i> posts I'd like to link, but for now I'll just share this very important one about <a href="http://www.girlinawe.com/2017/07/photographers-quit-ignoring-conservation-signs-to-get-the-best-instagram-shot.html" rel="nofollow">Instagram and respecting nature</a>.</li><li>If you're not following <a href="https://twitter.com/aloebud" rel="nofollow">Aloe</a> on Twitter, you're missing out. They provide self-care reminders in a really cute way. They're also currently trying to fund an app through <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aloe/aloe-app-gentle-self-care-reminders-from-yourself?" rel="nofollow">Kickstarter</a> and could use your support-- a donation or even just a share!&nbsp;</li><li>Taylor offered some great advice on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.espressoandambition.com/2017/08/11/avoiding-dc-tourist-traps/" rel="nofollow">avoiding tourist traps in Washington D.C.</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Vicky made a great list of some <a href="http://ethicalelephant.com/cruelty-free-vegan-nail-polish-remover/" rel="nofollow">vegan &amp; cruelty-free nail polish removers</a>. I remember when I first found out that many nail polish removers contain gelatin. <i>Why??</i></li><li>How adorable is <a href="http://www.lifewithmaria.co.uk/2017/08/11/halloween-how-to-elsa-mars/" rel="nofollow">Maria</a> in this Elsa Mars inspired look?! Long live bold blue eyeshadow.&nbsp;</li><li>Speaking of adorable, I love this outfit of<a href="http://www.sisterofthemoon.co.uk/2017/08/an-alternative-boho-look.html#more" rel="nofollow"> Kimberly's</a>. It looks so cute and comfy!</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><b><i>What posts have you loved lately? Link 'em in the comments!</i></b></div>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-88369826355948061942017-08-08T13:00:00.000-04:002017-08-09T12:29:47.457-04:00Review: Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e_fph1lWVY/WYswIFzu5SI/AAAAAAAAGDM/qlP41mhJLVI5DtujFIM5qzUIfeFhoAjQQCLcBGAs/s1600/36418632626_9f2e892ed1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation from Influenster " border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--e_fph1lWVY/WYswIFzu5SI/AAAAAAAAGDM/qlP41mhJLVI5DtujFIM5qzUIfeFhoAjQQCLcBGAs/s1600/36418632626_9f2e892ed1_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Honestly, I was feeling pretty #blessed when I got the email saying that Influenster was sending me two shades of Milk Makeup's new <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/dnOr" rel="nofollow">Blur Liquid Matte Foundation</a> and their <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/dnOn" rel="nofollow">Dab + Blend Applicator</a>. Before this, it had been a <i>long time</i> since I had received anything from Influenster that I felt was even worth talking about, which definitely added to my excitement about this VoxBox.<br /><br />Before I get into the review, let me explain what <a href="http://www.influenster.com/r/687146" rel="nofollow">Influenster</a> is. Influenster is a site where you can review products, read reviews, and get boxes, called Voxboxes, full of 100% free products. I've received things like dog food, snacks, laundry detergent, cosmetics, and more. I had friends nagging me to join Influenster for the longest time, but I put it off because I was convinced that it was a scam or it wasn't actually<i>&nbsp;</i>free-- but I stand corrected.<br /><br />The Blur Liquid Matte Foundation is vegan, cruelty-free, oil-free, and silicone-free. It is said to blur pores, fine lines, and provide breathable, weightless full-coverage. I was sent the two lightest shades-- Ivory and Fair, which sell for $40 each. Milk's website says that Ivory is for people with neutral to yellow undertones and Fair is for people with pink undertones.<br /><br />The first time I used these foundations, I put a little bit on the back of my hand, side by side, and couldn't really see a difference in color. I applied Fair to my face and instantly regretted it. The Fair shade was too dark, too orange, and too yellow on me. It was <i>bad</i>. Thankfully I didn't apply a large amount and was able to blend it out pretty well.<br /><br />Next I tried the Ivory shade which is definitely what I should have used in the first place. It was much closer to the actual color of my skintone, though I still think it is a bit too yellow on me. This foundation is offered in 16 different shades, which is a pretty decent range, but I would love an even lighter and less yellow shade.<br /><br />Even though the Ivory shade wasn't quite right on me, I wore it everyday for about a week. It is very full-coverage, but I felt like it made me look a little cakey. I also noticed that it wore off somewhat easily, even after I set it with powder and setting spray. I always felt self-conscious when wearing this foundation. Sure, my acne scars were well hidden, but they were hidden behind an odd texture that wasn't the right color. I don't want this foundation to go to waste, so I may start mixing a tiny bit of it with my usual foundation for extra coverage. We'll see how that works.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbBj3KCBorc/WYswbgVrJ2I/AAAAAAAAGDQ/IP0Sr70OjbwRWQ9pBx10nzVyne-LO6wXwCLcBGAs/s1600/35629297074_021e1d894d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Milk Makeup Dab + Blend Applicator " border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbBj3KCBorc/WYswbgVrJ2I/AAAAAAAAGDQ/IP0Sr70OjbwRWQ9pBx10nzVyne-LO6wXwCLcBGAs/s1600/35629297074_021e1d894d_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Now, the Dab&nbsp;+ Blend Applicator...I had been seeing this all over YouTube and was very excited to try it. As you can probably guess, the applicator doesn't suck up product, therefore none is wasted and the applicator doesn't get all gross and grimey. That sounds nice, right? Well, this applicator just didn't work for me. I felt like it just made foundation application more difficult and messier. I should mention that I'm not a fan of beauty sponges, I use my fingers or a brush to apply foundation, but I was really hoping that this one would work for me. To me, the best thing about this applicator is how easy it is to clean. If you like beauty sponges, maybe take a chance on this. If not, don't bother.<br /><br />Overall I am disappointed in this foundation and the blender. I am so grateful to have received the products for free, but I had such high expectations and they were squashed. I <i>might</i> be willing to give this foundation another try if they came out with a lighter shade because that would make a huge difference for me. On the other hand, my first impression of this foundation wasn't good and I'm very pleased with my usual foundation that only costs $13. In short, would I buy this foundation? No.<br /><br /> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't forget to&nbsp;</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.influenster.com/r/687146" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">sign up for Influenster</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">so that you can start receiving 100% free VoxBoxes!&nbsp;</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes and all opinions stated here are mine!*&nbsp;</i></b></b></div><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></b>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-24164067906979731642017-07-30T08:00:00.001-04:002017-07-30T08:00:00.191-04:00Baxter State Park <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnzibhXUMWk/WXpoyJ79ApI/AAAAAAAAGAo/apvICqxKHlYuiN42p42yx17jbP7KhLr4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnzibhXUMWk/WXpoyJ79ApI/AAAAAAAAGAo/apvICqxKHlYuiN42p42yx17jbP7KhLr4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0027.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />For my 25th birthday I decided that I wanted to explore part of Maine that I had never been to before-- The Maine Highlands. More specifically, <a href="https://baxterstatepark.org/" rel="nofollow">Baxter State Park</a>. &nbsp;Baxter State Park is located about 90 miles north of Bangor in Millinocket and is over 200,00 acres in size. Mount Katahdin, the main attraction at the park, marks the end of the Appalachian Trail and is the tallest mountain in Maine at 5,267 feet.<br /><br />Spencer and I left our house at 6 in the morning and arrived at the park around 8:30. Once we passed through the Bangor and Orono area, we hardly saw any other cars on I-95. We entered the park through the south entrance and didn't lose cell phone service till we were near the Keep Maine Beautiful Rock, which is located not too far from the entrance of the park. And oh, the irony. There was so much litter hidden behind that rock. <i>C'mon people.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FYUd1Jt_2Xs/WXppIh5TLUI/AAAAAAAAGAs/4anrc6u3Uso1k33fkc7b3IBOHBBVGPy3ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Keep Maine Beautiful rock, Baxter State Park" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FYUd1Jt_2Xs/WXppIh5TLUI/AAAAAAAAGAs/4anrc6u3Uso1k33fkc7b3IBOHBBVGPy3ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Before we got through the park gates we stopped at a little info center and talked to a ranger to get an idea of what to do. The ranger gave us lots of good ideas of trails to hike and informed us that kayak and canoe rentals were only $1 per hour, which we didn't end up doing but it was good to know. Honestly I didn't know much about Baxter before we went, so talking to the ranger was very helpful. Plus, we bought some stickers, patches, and Spencer got a hat which he says is the best hat he's ever owned. Before we left the info center, we walked around to the back of the property to Upper Togue Pond for a great view of Mount Katahdin.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBuxQAh5IIo/WXp0EI2rJgI/AAAAAAAAGBI/oo_tMjfCzKERk7i7JxNN0BUWL82_d--HwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="little Niagara and big niagra falls trail, baxter state park" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBuxQAh5IIo/WXp0EI2rJgI/AAAAAAAAGBI/oo_tMjfCzKERk7i7JxNN0BUWL82_d--HwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0073.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Next we got to the park gates. The person ahead of us was asking the ranger at the gate a million questions and caused a huge line to form-- they should have stopped at the info center! But anyway, the ranger asked for our names and emergency contact information-- that's not something I've ever had to do to be admitted into a state park before-- and we were pleasantly surprised to find out that there is no entrance fee for Maine residents. Once we got in, we felt a little lost even though we had a map. We didn't really know where to go or what to do, even though the ranger had given us a dozen ideas. We saw a sign for Daicey Pond and turned off there.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln7vxKp4TeQ/WXp0E7b42DI/AAAAAAAAGBM/bSaLHqUUwY0t1vsION7tz7vrWu5_GAjlACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little Niagara Falls, Baxter State Park" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln7vxKp4TeQ/WXp0E7b42DI/AAAAAAAAGBM/bSaLHqUUwY0t1vsION7tz7vrWu5_GAjlACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0100.jpg" title="" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I don't think we actually saw Daicey Pond, but we found a trail to <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/little-and-big-niagara-falls-trail" rel="nofollow">Little Niagara Falls and Big Niagara Falls</a>. The trail was 2.4 miles long and pretty easy. The beginning was a bit muddy but it wasn't a big deal at all. The rest of the trail was pretty rocky, but flat. The woods were blanketed in thick moss, ferns, and a dozen varieties of mushrooms. &nbsp;On the way back we encountered a lot more people, including some young children who seemed to be doing just fine.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPLlZrQeLg8/WXp3KLry63I/AAAAAAAAGBc/pBm2xmu7ats8k8UNRaVxrAx6Bi1rl4N-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little Niagara Falls, Baxter State Park" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPLlZrQeLg8/WXp3KLry63I/AAAAAAAAGBc/pBm2xmu7ats8k8UNRaVxrAx6Bi1rl4N-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0094.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;We drove around a little more, taking in the views, before we had to head home. This was only a day trip, so we only experienced a tiny bit of Baxter. It was a long drive, but it was worth it. It was so secluded and unspoiled there. Inland Maine is much too underappreciated.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bB3JtY6-NE4/WXp3Jq7xqUI/AAAAAAAAGBo/Yh3AbxIDBQsk1iU1l9_7JYDo--1EXqAFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Big Niagara Falls, Baxter State Park" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bB3JtY6-NE4/WXp3Jq7xqUI/AAAAAAAAGBo/Yh3AbxIDBQsk1iU1l9_7JYDo--1EXqAFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0162.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Bonus: I finally remembered to take some video footage, since I'm always saying that my photos don't do enough justice for the beautiful places that I have the privilege of living near. Be sure to watch it in HD!<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ssRaZBh3NxE" width="640"></iframe></center><br /><br />Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-11177866520234352402017-07-29T08:00:00.000-04:002017-07-29T08:00:04.610-04:005 Favorite Lipsticks <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-JAS__YqVU/WXNkjS4zQ2I/AAAAAAAAF-U/C2APF1Pk1v80MyQx7ehDokyWL3aCK4U9wCLcBGAs/s1600/Favorite_lipsticks_poppyseeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Favorite Lipsticks- NYX Liquid Suede, Kat Von D Everlasting, Pacifica Plushious, Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick, NYX Matte lipstick" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-JAS__YqVU/WXNkjS4zQ2I/AAAAAAAAF-U/C2APF1Pk1v80MyQx7ehDokyWL3aCK4U9wCLcBGAs/s1600/Favorite_lipsticks_poppyseeder.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />While digging through a drawer full of makeup earlier this week, I realized something-- I have an obsession with lipsticks. Somehow I have more lip colors than I do black pencil eyeliners, which I didn't think was possible. It makes sense though, I always pick up a new lipstick whenever I shop anywhere that sells them. I have shades ranging from light nudes to blackish-blues. Since I have so many, I decided I would narrow down my favorites and share them with you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wF91arfV4Q/WXNoTxa4V5I/AAAAAAAAF-g/aYC-IhsZYMgfVXGpaXAWGmSblNIYzPJzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Favorite_lipsticks_swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Favorite Lipsticks- NYX Liquid Suede, Kat Von D Everlasting, Pacifica Plushious, Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick, NYX Matte lipstick" border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wF91arfV4Q/WXNoTxa4V5I/AAAAAAAAF-g/aYC-IhsZYMgfVXGpaXAWGmSblNIYzPJzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Favorite_lipsticks_swatches.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/c9u3" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;">NYX Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Whipped Caviar, $6-&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;My go-to lipstick that you may remember from my <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2016/12/best-of-2016-beauty.html">2016 Favorites</a> roundup. It's easy to throw on, and I don't have to worry about letting it dry. I love the color and it stays all day. This is the lipstick that I wear most often.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/c9uC" rel="nofollow">Pacifica Plushious Liquid Mineral Lipstick in Crave, $10-</a></b>&nbsp; One of my more <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/07/current-favorites-5.html">recent </a>purchases, this is a new favorite. The color is beautiful, it smells like watermelon, and is very moisturizing. It doesn't dry completely like most liquid lipsticks, but I like that. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.sephora.com/everlasting-love-liquid-lipstick-P384954?skuId=1552413&amp;icid2=products%20grid%3Ap384954" rel="nofollow">Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita, $20-</a></b>&nbsp;No surprise here. This shade is so popular that it was released in an <a href="http://www.sephora.com/lolita-eyeshadow-blush-P419263?skuId=1952134&amp;icid2=products%20grid:p419263" rel="nofollow">eyeshadow/blush powder</a>, which I have yet to get my hands on, sadly. This chestnut rose shade is so pretty and flattering on so many different skin tones and stays on all day.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/c9t1" rel="nofollow">NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Tea &amp; Cookies, $6.99-</a>&nbsp;</b>This bubblegum pink liquid lipstick was the first I ever tried, and I loved it instantly. It's so pretty, isn't patchy, and stays on well.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/c9uJ" rel="nofollow">Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll, $20-&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</b>This is the longest lasting lipstick of the bunch, so if you really need something that won't fade throughout the day, this is it! This shade is a true classic red and applies with ease, there is no patchiness and it dries very quickly.<br /><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/c9u3" rel="nofollow"><br /></a></b><br /><div><b><i>What are your favorite lipsticks? Tell me in the comments!</i></b></div>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-75585536677171943232017-07-27T08:00:00.000-04:002017-07-27T08:00:12.394-04:00Review: July Ipsy Glam Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q9cSzQG7iE/WW4Vh6zFkkI/AAAAAAAAF9k/I-rK3UVNqjALaJDDQbAA4mPB805L-Bx3QCLcBGAs/s1600/Gudetama_Ipsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gudetama Ipsy Glam Bag July 2017" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q9cSzQG7iE/WW4Vh6zFkkI/AAAAAAAAF9k/I-rK3UVNqjALaJDDQbAA4mPB805L-Bx3QCLcBGAs/s1600/Gudetama_Ipsy.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>&nbsp;I was so excited when a little <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0Bl5MFIBr/?taken-by=gudetama" rel="nofollow">spoiler</a> for the July Ipsy bag surfaced on June 26th. It revealed that Ipsy and Gudetama, the lazy egg character from Sanrio, collaborated for this bag. I don't usually get excited about stuff like this, but over the past couple months I've really started loving Gudetama.<br /><br />My sister loves eggs, especially if they have runny yolks. I hate eggs, especially if they have runny yolks. In fact, as I'm writing this I'm already starting to feel nauseous, but I'll power through for the sake of this story. My sister knows how I feel about eggs, and in the spirit of sibling rivalry, has been sending me Snapchat videos of her breaking egg yolks for about the past year or so. I decided to steer into the skid-- I started buying her egg-based cookbooks and sending her links to stuff with eggs on them so that maybe she would think eggs don't gross me out as much as they actually do. It's worked a little, the egg videos are coming less frequently. But anyway, I came across Gudetama and started sending links to all the Gudetama merch to my sister. I started using Gudetama GIFs while texting her. Then I realized-- this stupid little personified egg is actually really cute-- and I think I love it more than my sister does.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRbMxhvkb_4/WW4ViASQCSI/AAAAAAAAF9s/hiy3IsrpYxEO6al20VU8nYTDh-hsw48NgCLcBGAs/s1600/July2017_Gudetama_IpsyGlamBag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gudetama Ipsy Glam Bag July 2017" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRbMxhvkb_4/WW4ViASQCSI/AAAAAAAAF9s/hiy3IsrpYxEO6al20VU8nYTDh-hsw48NgCLcBGAs/s1600/July2017_Gudetama_IpsyGlamBag.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><ol><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cQZB" rel="nofollow">Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet, $39-</a>&nbsp;</b>This moisturizer smells so good, it has sort of a light botanical scent that isn't overpowering at all. I also liked the consistency, it's more of a gel-cream. I probably wouldn't buy this just because the price is a little much, but I'll definitely use this sample till it's gone.</li><li><b><a href="http://www.emmprincess.com.au/product/biscuit/" rel="nofollow">mPrincess Pressed Eyeshadow in Biscuit, $15.95-</a>&nbsp;</b>I've been using this eyeshadow as a highlight since it's light and so shimmery. I don't really see anything too special about it, it's sort of underwhelming. Nothing about this product particularly stands out to me, but I'll keep using it.&nbsp;</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cQ0o" rel="nofollow">NUDESTIX Magnetic Matte Lip Color in Rose, $24-</a>&nbsp;</b>This is a really pretty color, though a little darker than what I typically wear, so I'll reserve this for nighttime wear. It goes on very easily and looks great, but this is a product that needs to be reapplied throughout the day. I wore it all day without reapplying and by the end of the day, it had faded considerably in the middle of my lips. It wasn't a cute look.&nbsp;</li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cQ0I" rel="nofollow">Ciaté&nbsp;London Wonderwand Liner Gel-Kohl Hybrid Liner in Black, $24-&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</b>Obviously I forgot to drop Ipsy Care a line and ask them to please stop sending me black pencil liners because as I've mentioned before, I have a million already. However, this one sounded interesting to me and I was excited to try it. It has a little angled brush on one end which on their website, Ipsy said can be used to wing the liner out. I tried doing that and uh...it did not work out. This pencil didn't feel gel-kohl, it just felt more like a dull No. 2 pencil. This is probably the worst pencil liner I've used in a very long time.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>TONYMOLY Sheet Masks in <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cQ2W" rel="nofollow">Lotus</a> and <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cQ1L" rel="nofollow">Green Tea</a>, $3 each-</b>&nbsp;I was, of course, thrilled to receive these sheet masks in my Glam Bag. These were two that I had never tried before and I <i>love</i> TONYMOLY's sheet masks. These sheet masks are so hydrating, refreshing, and I absolutely love the packaging.&nbsp;</span></li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sq_9n5T76II/WW4Vh-cXtdI/AAAAAAAAF9o/bGNykCgEk6w0uEXjItB9U-Iqijni7IBzgCLcBGAs/s1600/Gudetama_IpsyGlamBag_review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gudetama Ipsy Glam Bag July 2017" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sq_9n5T76II/WW4Vh-cXtdI/AAAAAAAAF9o/bGNykCgEk6w0uEXjItB9U-Iqijni7IBzgCLcBGAs/s1600/Gudetama_IpsyGlamBag_review.jpg" title="" /></a></div><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Have you tried any of these products? <a href="https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=ppage_ref&amp;sid=link&amp;refer=10dtm3" rel="nofollow">Want to try Ipsy?&nbsp;</a></i></b>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-29299716831112546002017-07-25T08:00:00.001-04:002017-07-25T08:00:39.086-04:00Bald Rock Mountain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nR0HBDsz2TA/WXUHk4Q4reI/AAAAAAAAF_E/YBPODJEP4BEaT8oau-oWMYL7P6-piGCJQCLcBGAs/s1600/35724940490_780a3fdedd_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bald Rock Mountain Trail, Penobscot Bay" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nR0HBDsz2TA/WXUHk4Q4reI/AAAAAAAAF_E/YBPODJEP4BEaT8oau-oWMYL7P6-piGCJQCLcBGAs/s1600/35724940490_780a3fdedd_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />On Sunday morning, Spencer and I were laying in bed completely ready to leave the house but with nowhere to go. We both get easily overwhelmed when our usual spots are crowded with tourists, but that's the thing-- this area gets stupidly busy during the summer, so it's difficult to find a local place that isn't crowded. Finally after a lot of scrolling through our Foursquare to-do lists, we settled on hiking <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/bald-rock-mountain-trail" rel="nofollow">Bald Rock Mountain</a> for the first time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVtUcxipqEc/WXUJ6yVld2I/AAAAAAAAF_c/lIuHXYThS5kNSvGA-g0CvoNMQbdMUKvlACLcBGAs/s1600/35724946880_f9cd6605a1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bald Rock Mountain Trail, things to do near Camden Maine, dog friendly camden maine" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVtUcxipqEc/WXUJ6yVld2I/AAAAAAAAF_c/lIuHXYThS5kNSvGA-g0CvoNMQbdMUKvlACLcBGAs/s1600/35724946880_f9cd6605a1_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Since most of our hiking trips are spontaneous, we never really get an opportunity to bring Theo but since we had a game plan before we left the house, we brought the dude with us. Theo has always very clearly been more of a winter dog, but a large majority of the trail was shaded by trees, so I knew he'd be fine. We also brought a big <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/dc87" rel="nofollow">Nalgene bottle </a>and <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/dc9h" rel="nofollow">portable water bowl</a> for him. Theo was being a big baby and kept laying down in the middle of the trail, so Spencer had to carry Theo, our 90lb dog, for the last few minutes of the hike.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KOLvOEx7Aik/WXULAY1zZFI/AAAAAAAAF_g/wZw7mi5CGKEiJIWXa27LieDb_ZD8Ug6jgCLcBGAs/s1600/35982559521_e09465485e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bald Rock Mountain Trail, things to do near Camden Maine, dog friendly camden maine" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KOLvOEx7Aik/WXULAY1zZFI/AAAAAAAAF_g/wZw7mi5CGKEiJIWXa27LieDb_ZD8Ug6jgCLcBGAs/s1600/35982559521_e09465485e_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwde6k0lEuA/WXUI6Dmh_PI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/4zjPHZX5_3ISVxqiQxgRU6813peSroXNQCLcBGAs/s1600/35275743234_f159592db3_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bald Rock Mountain Trail, things to do near Camden Maine" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwde6k0lEuA/WXUI6Dmh_PI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/4zjPHZX5_3ISVxqiQxgRU6813peSroXNQCLcBGAs/s1600/35275743234_f159592db3_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />The trail to the summit of Bald Rock Mountain is a big loop, about 3 miles total. We started off on the multi-use trail, which is an uphill graveled trail, and eventually came across the marker for Bald Rock Trail. Bald Rock Trail was kinda steep sometimes, but still easy. On the way down, we continued on the loop using the Frohock Mountain Trail which didn't seem as well maintained as Bald Rock Trail, but it was also still easy.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1EZaMaGJBY/WXUH7ul8oTI/AAAAAAAAF_I/zE_2eswCrpIn_Qw4XAj2e2DyG7QTGrUQgCLcBGAs/s1600/36074548606_2b39e6bcef_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bald Rock Mountain Trail, Penobscot Bay" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1EZaMaGJBY/WXUH7ul8oTI/AAAAAAAAF_I/zE_2eswCrpIn_Qw4XAj2e2DyG7QTGrUQgCLcBGAs/s1600/36074548606_2b39e6bcef_o.jpg" title="" /></a>The summit of Bald Rock Mountain is the main attraction, of course. The top had wild blueberries growing all over and beautiful views of the Penobscot Bay (you can see more of those views <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/06/beech-hill-preserve.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2016/12/camden-maine-wedding.html">here</a>). The summit was a little crowded when we got there, but it wasn't bad at all, especially compared to how crowded nearby Mount Battie usually is. Plus, Theo got to be the center of attention for a few minutes and he always loves that.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThtExdEmw6Y/WXULkOJG5QI/AAAAAAAAF_s/5p4GLmiEif4-Ui1zCwHa0DO2Us6g-5quACLcBGAs/s1600/35724928960_73dc4a630c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bald Rock Mountain Trail, things to do near Camden Maine, dog friendly camden maine" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThtExdEmw6Y/WXULkOJG5QI/AAAAAAAAF_s/5p4GLmiEif4-Ui1zCwHa0DO2Us6g-5quACLcBGAs/s1600/35724928960_73dc4a630c_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a beautiful day and I'm so glad that we finally crossed another place off of our to-do list. <b><i>What's your favorite thing to do on Sundays?&nbsp;</i></b></div>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-68574428520464179552017-07-24T08:00:00.000-04:002017-07-24T08:00:21.827-04:00Music Monday #41<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6b_KXPK6JcU/WXN8i6ssZdI/AAAAAAAAF-w/ilBib6whBrgNRgV8-tnAo3XGJ6Mg1KvywCLcBGAs/s1600/36010601276_c5698f85c0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="No Sleep Records A Comp For Mom, OWEL Dear Me, Bob's Burgers album vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6b_KXPK6JcU/WXN8i6ssZdI/AAAAAAAAF-w/ilBib6whBrgNRgV8-tnAo3XGJ6Mg1KvywCLcBGAs/s1600/36010601276_c5698f85c0_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />It's been a hot minute since I posted a playlist, the <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/05/music-monday-40.html">last time</a> being in early May. Since I last posted a playlist, Kesha finally was able to put out new music after battling her music producer/abuser in court for years, HAIM released a new album, and Arcade Fire has put out 4 singles from their new album which will be released on the 28th. Obviously, those are only a few highlights.<br /><br />This playlist features some of my favorite new tracks and a few old favorites. Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><center><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/user/amandafagan/playlist/43aQ1LnTeqTWrQLeQZZr1v" width="300"></iframe></center><br /><br /><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #272727; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Don't forget you can&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/amandafagan" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; color: #a89a87; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;">follow me on Spotify</a>&nbsp;and view past playlists&nbsp;<a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/search/label/music%20monday" style="border: 0px; color: #a89a87; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;">here</a>.&nbsp;</i></b><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #272727; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What have you been listening to lately? Leave me some recommendations in the comments!</i></b>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-73728686875596966202017-07-20T08:00:00.000-04:002017-07-20T08:00:05.917-04:00Review: July Birchbox <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drhqenad3N0/WW0BpbLEiyI/AAAAAAAAF9U/mlVy-EXsScIkN6G33DDrUCGhc2pCnzVYwCLcBGAs/s1600/july2017_birchbox_review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="July 2017 Birchbox review" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drhqenad3N0/WW0BpbLEiyI/AAAAAAAAF9U/mlVy-EXsScIkN6G33DDrUCGhc2pCnzVYwCLcBGAs/s1600/july2017_birchbox_review.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My Birchbox subscription has officially come to an end. For my last box I decided to get the all-curated box for the first time, instead of picking one sample and having the rest be a surprise. Overall I was pretty pleased with this box. There was only one dud, and honestly I was kidding myself thinking it would work for me.<br /><br />Since this is my last Birchbox I guess I should answer the question: would I renew? &nbsp;I definitely enjoyed getting a Birchbox each month and discovered so many great new products, especially <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cQR0" rel="nofollow">R+Co's Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner</a>, that was the standout product from all of the boxes that I received. This subscription was a gift from my in-laws, so obviously I didn't pay for it. Compared to Ipsy, I don't think that Birchbox is as good of a value, however Birchbox and Ipsy usually send me very different products. I would renew, however I'm not going to right now simply because I'm trying to be a little more responsible with money. I probably will renew eventually, but not right now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e4eETcuO434/WW0BZbgVjpI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/uRyaVGsRSfkqAF3fPc989kgFafSv4j5YQCLcBGAs/s1600/July2017_Birchbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="July 2017 Birchbox review" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e4eETcuO434/WW0BZbgVjpI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/uRyaVGsRSfkqAF3fPc989kgFafSv4j5YQCLcBGAs/s1600/July2017_Birchbox.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li><div><b><a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13825/967/products/skincare/primers/prep-prime-skin" rel="nofollow">MAC Cosmetics Prep&nbsp;+ Prime Skin, $31-&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</b>I couldn't tell if this made my makeup last longer. It claims to even out skin redness and add radiance, but again, I didn't notice any difference. However, I liked it more than the Smashbox primer that I was sent in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/06/review-june-birchbox.html" rel="">last month's box&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;because it felt more like a moisturizer than a gross film on my face. I wouldn't buy this, but I'll definitely use it till it's gone.</div></li><li><div><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cMXt" rel="nofollow">Juliette Has a Gun Anyway Eau de Parfum, $100-</a></b>&nbsp;This perfume is citrusy and floral, so I thought it would be perfect for me...and I'm not saying that I don't like it...but I can't tell if it's more of a mature scent than I'm used to or if I'm just so set on the usual perfumes that I use that everything else smells odd to me. Even though this is citrusy and floral, I think I'm going to save the rest to use in the fall and winter, I think it would be better then. Hopefully someone out there will understand what I mean by all this.&nbsp;</div></li><li><div><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cMU2" rel="nofollow">Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser, $22.50-</a></b>&nbsp;This is the item I was most excited for from this box. I was worried that it would be a dinky sample size, but it's pretty decent and the product goes a long way. It exfoliates and cleanses and leaves my skin feeling so soft and clean. I'd definitely buy this.</div></li><li><div><b><a href="https://www.birchbox.com/product/31300" rel="nofollow">Beautaniq Beauty Blush Serum in Sunrise, $16-</a></b>&nbsp;I was expecting this to be more gel-like, but it was pretty creamy-- actually extremely similar to the NYX Whipped Blush that I got in my&nbsp;<a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/06/review-june-ipsy-glam-bag.html">June Ipsy bag</a>. This product also goes a very long way, I swatched it on my hand using a little blob and it was, um, more than enough. I looked like I had painted the back of my hand pink. But that was good to know before I put it on my face! This is a really pretty, natural-looking blush and goes a very long way.&nbsp;</div></li><li><div><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/cMSp" rel="nofollow">Oribe Matte Waves Texture Lotion, $42-&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</b>I am always so hopeful when I try out texturing hair products and then I instantly regret putting it on my head. I put a tiny amount of this in my hair, and while it did make my hair slightly more wavy, it made my hair feel disgusting. I wanted to get back in the shower and rinse it out.</div></li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Have you tried any of these products? <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/invite/pppysdr" rel="nofollow">Want to try Birchbox?</a></i></b></div>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-14591138941577392552017-07-17T08:00:00.000-04:002017-07-17T08:00:04.497-04:00Birthday Vinyl Wishlist I make an Amazon wishlist for my birthday every year, which usually has an eclectic mix of items on it, but this year my list has nothing but vinyl records on it. I didn't intentionally do that, it just happened. It makes sense though, I've really been focused on beefing up my collection lately. Who cares if I'm running out of storage, a collector has gotta collect! Here's what I'm hoping to unwrap at the end of the month.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQgjVMMEYxI/WWeoxVW3VAI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/hOBrGsJygX8L1EzAmkarz1ublT76yKnLwCLcBGAs/s1600/Saddle%2BCreek%2B%2B%2BBright%2BEyes%2B%2B%2BThe%2BStudio%2BAlbums%2B2000%2B2011%2Bbr%2B%2B%2BVINYL%2BBox%2BSet%2B%2BPRE%2BORDER%2B.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bright Eyes Studio Albums box set" border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="513" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQgjVMMEYxI/WWeoxVW3VAI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/hOBrGsJygX8L1EzAmkarz1ublT76yKnLwCLcBGAs/s1600/Saddle%2BCreek%2B%2B%2BBright%2BEyes%2B%2B%2BThe%2BStudio%2BAlbums%2B2000%2B2011%2Bbr%2B%2B%2BVINYL%2BBox%2BSet%2B%2BPRE%2BORDER%2B.png" title="" /></a></div><b><br /></b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JGQIJP6/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3UJ760R8SZD44&amp;colid=6C2VEREN2R2W" rel="nofollow"><b>Studio Albums 2000-2011 by Bright Eyes</b></a><br />If you've been around for a while, you may recall seeing this item on <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2016/07/birthday-wishlist.html">last year's</a> wishlist. Obviously, this 6 album, 10 LP box set isn't in my possession yet. Bright Eyes has been my favorite band for well over a decade, so it makes sense that I own this, right?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4iVi9ws6eGo/WWepTHRziII/AAAAAAAAF8U/_OvtWMTke1I-ax2Y2xPmgF9-TY2wTFc7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Various%2BArtists%2B%2B%2BMaster%2BOf%2BNone%2BSeason%2B2%2BSoundtrack%2B2XLP%2B%2B%2BUrban%2BOutfitters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4iVi9ws6eGo/WWepTHRziII/AAAAAAAAF8U/_OvtWMTke1I-ax2Y2xPmgF9-TY2wTFc7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Various%2BArtists%2B%2B%2BMaster%2BOf%2BNone%2BSeason%2B2%2BSoundtrack%2B2XLP%2B%2B%2BUrban%2BOutfitters.png" /></a><b><br /></b></div><br /><b><a href="https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/various-artists-master-of-none-season-2-soundtrack-2xlp?category=vinyl-records&amp;color=040" rel="nofollow">Master of None Season 2 Soundtrack</a></b><br />I love Master of None. Love it. I love the cinematography, the characters, the story lines, and the music. I especially love that Arnold greets people by saying "DiGiorno." It's just a perfect show and I added this to my list as quickly as my fingers could go.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6SKAguriUI/WWepd-bghfI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/4b_gPB0iDOcY-kks-ChUNcOr9CTpQP0NwCLcBGAs/s1600/71dPvYdRQqL._SL1200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vibrate: the best of rufus wainwright vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6SKAguriUI/WWepd-bghfI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/4b_gPB0iDOcY-kks-ChUNcOr9CTpQP0NwCLcBGAs/s400/71dPvYdRQqL._SL1200_.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I9NJRDQ/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IBN63J8IUSKXE&amp;colid=6C2VEREN2R2W" rel="nofollow">Vibrate: The Best of &nbsp;Rufus Wainwright&nbsp;</a></b><br />Rufus Wainwright is one of my favorite musicians <i>ever</i>. I couldn't decide which of his many albums I wanted, so I went with this compilation. Side note: if you ever have the chance to see him live, go!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IaZbIKaPAw4/WWep5Nct7FI/AAAAAAAAF8c/QQBE6hfVFoEb9Mpkk6PtyBIHIpjKjF1zwCLcBGAs/s1600/Two%2BOf%2BA%2BCrime%2BOpaque%2BMint%2BGreen%2BLP%2B%2B%2BEVR0%2B%2B%2BMerchNOW%2B%2B%2BYour%2BFavorite%2BBand%2BMerch%2B%2BMusic%2Band%2BMore.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="perma two of a crime vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="549" height="343" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IaZbIKaPAw4/WWep5Nct7FI/AAAAAAAAF8c/QQBE6hfVFoEb9Mpkk6PtyBIHIpjKjF1zwCLcBGAs/s400/Two%2BOf%2BA%2BCrime%2BOpaque%2BMint%2BGreen%2BLP%2B%2B%2BEVR0%2B%2B%2BMerchNOW%2B%2B%2BYour%2BFavorite%2BBand%2BMerch%2B%2BMusic%2Band%2BMore.png" title="" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://merchnow.com/products/v2/165862/two-of-a-crime-opaque-mint-green-lp" rel="nofollow"><b>Two of a Crime&nbsp;by Perma</b></a><br />Perma is Sherri Dupree-Bemis of Eisley and Max Bemis of Say Anything. I love Eisley, I love Say Anything, and I love Sherri and Max. In case you didn't know, they're married and the music that they make together is so sweet. I believe they're putting out a follow-up this year or next, and I can't wait.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMQ4Hr-yGlc/WWeqfV7MzbI/AAAAAAAAF8g/-TcEihbwgyskSu1-A9-C3drXLmK-cmdPACLcBGAs/s1600/A1h5oeIPPML._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the new pornographers whiteout conditions vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMQ4Hr-yGlc/WWeqfV7MzbI/AAAAAAAAF8g/-TcEihbwgyskSu1-A9-C3drXLmK-cmdPACLcBGAs/s400/A1h5oeIPPML._SL1500_.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6UXQ5C/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3P550T8Q5VR5F&amp;colid=6C2VEREN2R2W" rel="nofollow">Whiteout Conditions by The New Pornographers</a>&nbsp;</b><br />I've had songs from this album stuck in my head almost daily since it was released in April. Truthfully, I would take any albums from this band because I somehow don't have any yet.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBmzLZ8SNUY/WWerCqurhFI/AAAAAAAAF8k/2twLKzUdm8QlaUfCv63F3zmGFodOVcXOwCLcBGAs/s1600/81x5%252BJrFuZL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Neko Case Truckdriver, Gladiator, Mule vinyl box set" border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1500" height="309" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBmzLZ8SNUY/WWerCqurhFI/AAAAAAAAF8k/2twLKzUdm8QlaUfCv63F3zmGFodOVcXOwCLcBGAs/s400/81x5%252BJrFuZL._SL1500_.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014SGD4DG/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I22RGWSUWKZW6T&amp;colid=6C2VEREN2R2W" rel="nofollow">Truckdriver, Gladiator, Mule by Neko Case</a></b><br />Yep, another box set. This box set has 8 albums and is Neko Case's full discography, of course excluding her numerous side projects. (She's also a member of The New Pornographers). Many of the albums included in this box set have been out of print for years.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_D5r7VbKMU/WWerxz4M4hI/AAAAAAAAF8o/U-k87qQSUzMT_EI02xp1ktIA4lFqExb6gCLcBGAs/s1600/81AVKxftSUL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Resistance Radio the man in the high castle album vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_D5r7VbKMU/WWerxz4M4hI/AAAAAAAAF8o/U-k87qQSUzMT_EI02xp1ktIA4lFqExb6gCLcBGAs/s400/81AVKxftSUL._SL1500_.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDHS5RR/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3LYWYQ6OMF92I&amp;colid=6C2VEREN2R2W" rel="nofollow">Resistance Radio: The Man in the High Castle Album</a></b><br />I started watching this show but couldn't get through it. It's a great show, but I need happy and funny things in my life right now, and this show isn't happy or funny in the slightest. But this album is fantastic. It has various artists covering songs from 1962 and is such a well-curated album.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5oJX8Px5Aw/WWeoIOyfpjI/AAAAAAAAF8M/ACv_A1-Ga-QpGYeE4n7A4HighzmMPs8MgCLcBGAs/s1600/Disney%2BSongs%2BFrom%2BBambi%2BVinyl%2BLP%2BHot%2BTopic%2BExclusive%2B%2B%2BHot%2BTopic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bambi soundtrack picture disc vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="493" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5oJX8Px5Aw/WWeoIOyfpjI/AAAAAAAAF8M/ACv_A1-Ga-QpGYeE4n7A4HighzmMPs8MgCLcBGAs/s1600/Disney%2BSongs%2BFrom%2BBambi%2BVinyl%2BLP%2BHot%2BTopic%2BExclusive%2B%2B%2BHot%2BTopic.png" title="" /></a></div><b><br /></b><a href="http://www.hottopic.com/product/disney-songs-from-bambi-vinyl-lp-hot-topic-exclusive/10471528.html?cgid=band-merch-vinyl" rel="nofollow"><b>Bambi Soundtrack Picture Disc</b></a><br />I love Disney, but I don't think I love it nearly as much as other people. I never buy Disney-related things, but I am dying to get my hands on this. Bambi has always been one of my favorite Disney movies, despite how sad it is, and the soundtrack is wonderful. Plus, picture discs are super-cute and I don't own any yet.<br /><br /><i><br /></i><b><i>What have you been listening to lately? Tell me in the comments!</i></b>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-37525643531673934612017-07-15T08:00:00.000-04:002017-07-15T08:00:01.008-04:00Life Lately + Link Love #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1a6bn9NnNTY/WWO5j9SnOyI/AAAAAAAAF7k/j9-JLMv-igUua-uS-KfLGAZPBLgMivsFQCLcBGAs/s1600/35008922480_d7392fe013_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knight Pond, Northport Maine" border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1a6bn9NnNTY/WWO5j9SnOyI/AAAAAAAAF7k/j9-JLMv-igUua-uS-KfLGAZPBLgMivsFQCLcBGAs/s1600/35008922480_d7392fe013_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Well, it's been a while since I&nbsp;<a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/05/life-lately-link-love-4.html" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">last did one of these.</a>&nbsp;In case the title isn't self-explanatory, this is a series where I ramble about my life and post links to things around the internet that I've been diggin'.<br /><br /><h3><u>Life Lately:</u></h3><div><u><br /></u></div>I've just been taking it easy and trying to relax. I've been taking lots of time for myself, which usually includes <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/07/current-favorites-5.html">sheet masks</a> and playing the Sims, which I'm slightly obsessed with. My anxiety has been pretty bad lately...and for the last 10 years...so I'm <i>really</i> working to get a handle on that. Oh, and I watched GLOW on Netflix. And then I watched it again. I'm not particularly into wrestling, but it has Allison Brie and Kate Nash, and I'm very into them. I really enjoyed the show and highly recommend it.<br /><br />My 25th birthday is at the end of the month and I was having "oh god, I'm so old!" feelings last month, but now I'm over that and just excited to celebrate. We're planning a trip to Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, which I'm very excited about. I've never been that far north in Maine and I've wanted to go for a long time. Unfortunately we won't be hiking Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine at 5,267 feet, because it takes an estimated 8-10 hours. Ever since I sprained my foot in May, too much hiking has really not been good for me, so we're going to stick to shorter trails.<br /><br />Other than that, Spencer and I have been spending a ton of time at Knight Pond (pictured above) because Spencer has a new hobby-- model boats. It sounds dorky and boring, and it is, but it's also kinda cool. Spencer has a couple models that are just that, they don't have any mechanical components, then he adds all the mechanical components needed to turn the boats into functioning RC boats. It sounds easy when I put it like that, but he puts a lot of work into it.<br /><br />I'm 100% an ocean girl over ponds, lakes, and rivers but Knight Pond is beautiful, and the drive there is beautiful. It's very secluded and usually not crowded at all. However, people have bonfires there and leave behind their garbage, broken beer bottles, and cigarette butts. Apparently they can't see the trash cans located 3 feet away from where they sit around the bonfire pit.<i> </i>Usually while Spencer drives his boats around the pond, I gather garbage and throw it away. I wonder if the litterbugs realize that picking up after themselves won't kill them?<br /><br />That's it for my passive-aggressive rant. Anyway...life has been pretty uneventful, but in a good way.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IE3Zp0FnrA/WWPcWGvKf_I/AAAAAAAAF7s/56tp5HYmNSI1TYWE2EPX9yRMQLLzIRipACLcBGAs/s1600/35534117655_bd286db724_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beech Hill Preserve, Rockport Maine" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IE3Zp0FnrA/WWPcWGvKf_I/AAAAAAAAF7s/56tp5HYmNSI1TYWE2EPX9yRMQLLzIRipACLcBGAs/s1600/35534117655_bd286db724_o.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another one from our trip to <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/06/beech-hill-preserve.html">Beech Hill Preserve</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><h3><u>Link Love:</u></h3><div><u><br /></u></div><ul><li>Still planning some adventures for later this summer? All National Parks have <a href="https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm" rel="nofollow">free admission </a>on August 25th, so why not go?&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beautylifemom.com/2017/07/07/what-ive-learned-after-a-year-of-blogging/" rel="nofollow">Jen</a> recently celebrated a year of blogging and shared what she has learned in the past year.&nbsp;</li><li>I feel like this can really come in handy for bloggers, as well as people who sell things online-- check out <a href="http://thecrimsoncardigan.com/diy-led-light-panel/" rel="nofollow">Ashlynn's</a> tutorial for a DIY, affordable softbox light.</li><li><a href="http://www.lumiereandlens.com/2017/07/in-forests-of-alaska.html" rel="nofollow">Alyse</a> recently went to Alaska and her photos are making me pretty darn jealous. She really got some beautiful photos. Fun fact about me: I was very close to moving to Alaska 6-ish years ago.</li><li>I absolutely love <a href="http://www.midnightandlace.co.uk/2017/07/beetlejuice-vibes.html" rel="nofollow">Robyn's</a> style. I've had my eye on a pair of pants similar to the ones that she's wearing in her post, but I'm not sure if I could pull them off.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="http://www.treelinedavenue.com/2017/06/i-adopted-lulu-one-year-ago-today.html" rel="nofollow">Victoria</a> recently celebrated an adoptiversary with her adorable dog, Lulu. Stuff like this gives me alllll the feels.&nbsp;</li><li>Shameless self-promotion-- I've added a&nbsp;<a href="https://ko-fi.com/A8031MAL" rel="nofollow">Ko-Fi</a>&nbsp;button to my blog, which is basically a tip jar. It's the button under my little bio that says "Buy Me a Coffee." I've already received a couple tips and I am still absolutely overwhelmed that people actually enjoy my blog enough to give me some of their hard-earned money. That absolutely blows my mind, makes me feel all the warm fuzzies, and honestly it does inspire me to write more. Knowing that people enjoy my content <i>that much</i> pushes me to keep going.&nbsp;</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #272727; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Have you read any great posts lately? Link 'em in the comments!</i></b></div>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-54635615593807792532017-07-08T08:00:00.000-04:002017-07-08T08:00:12.642-04:00Current Favorites #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zPdOmShp4xY/WV-OCzeMjxI/AAAAAAAAF7I/Dy58iP4VjcsLLvxyaRgVeJWrIknNThtEQCLcBGAs/s1600/35607278502_47b00629c7_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tonymoly, e.l.f. cosmetics, pacifica, NYX cosmetics, No7, morphexjaclynhill" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zPdOmShp4xY/WV-OCzeMjxI/AAAAAAAAF7I/Dy58iP4VjcsLLvxyaRgVeJWrIknNThtEQCLcBGAs/s1600/35607278502_47b00629c7_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">I found such great new things this past month, y'all. Usually I sort of dread doing makeup because it just takes forever, but lately I've been loving it thanks to the items on this list. I'm just so excited by all of my recent purchases, especially the last item on this list, which I swear I'll shut up about eventually. Here's what I've been loving lately:&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.yesstyle.com/en/list.html?bpt=48&amp;q=pokemon+sheet+mask" rel="nofollow">Tony Moly x Pokémon sheet masks</a>- </b>It's time for me to admit that I'm a huge sucker for cute packaging, possibly to a fault. I found a 5-pack of these&nbsp;</span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Pokémon sheet masks on Amazon (which have since disappeared off of Amazon, but you can still find them on <a href="http://www.yesstyle.com/en/list.html?bpt=48&amp;q=pokemon+sheet+mask" rel="nofollow">YesStyle</a>) and bought them instantly. I love Tony Moly's sheet masks and the&nbsp;</span>Pokémon packaging is just a bonus.</li><li style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bSFP" rel="nofollow">e.l.f Cosmetics Contour Palette</a>-</b>&nbsp;I needed a new contour palette and although I haven't had the best experience with e.l.f. products in the past, I decided to give this one a shot. I certainly couldn't turn my nose up at the price-- it's only $6. The shades are easy to apply, easy to blend, and never look muddy like some other contour shades I've used. I'll definitely buy this palette again.</li><li style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bSI6" rel="nofollow">Pacifica Plushious Liquid Mineral Lipstick in Crave</a></b>- I was wary about this purchase because I knew that unlike other liquid lipsticks, it doesn't dry all the way. I was afraid that it wouldn't last or would be sticky like a gloss. This lipstick certainly doesn't last all day though the color does remain a bit, but it also doesn't dry my lips out at all, it's a beautiful color (similar to <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bSJX" rel="nofollow">Tarte's Tarteist &nbsp;Lip Paint in </a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bSJX" rel="nofollow">Rosé</a>), and smells like watermelon. I wish that it did dry a little more than it does, but it's a great product for when your lips need a break from drying products. I guess it's more like a pigmented gloss but without the stickiness? &nbsp;I really like it and I'm definitely going to purchase it in more colors.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/liquid-suede-metallic-matte/NYX_441.html" rel="nofollow"><b>NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede Metallic Matte lipstick in Bella</b></a>- NYX recently released their much-loved Liquid Suede lipsticks in metallic finishes and I picked up the color "Bella" which was described as a deep reddish copper. I'm not really seeing copper, to me it's more of a deep reddish berry shade.&nbsp;</span>This is a liquid lipstick that will dry your lips out a bit, but it also lasts a very long time. Since this is a pretty glittery lip color, I reserve it for nights out.</li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/b6lo" rel="nofollow">No.7 Beautiful Eyebrow Sculpting Pencil in Blonde</a>- </b>I've been using No.7's eyebrow pencil for years because their blonde color is the only one I've found that isn't too dark on me. Seriously, why are so many blonde eyebrow pencils actually dark brown? Anyway! This isn't the exact eyebrow pencil I had been using, the old one was just a basic pencil. They have redesigned their brow pencils to twist-up instead of be sharpened, and the pencil is angled much like <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/b6mh" rel="nofollow">Benefit's Goof Proof Brow Pencil</a>.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.morphebrushes.com/collections/pro-makeup-palettes/products/the-jaclyn-hill-eyeshadow-palette" rel="nofollow">Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette</a></b>- In case you missed it,<a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/07/review-morphe-x-jaclyn-hill-palette.html"> I wrote a whole darn post</a> on this in which I talked about my favorite and least favorite shades, whether it's worth the $38 price tag, and more.&nbsp;</span></li></ul>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-31873315532787785492017-07-05T08:00:00.000-04:002017-07-05T08:00:00.948-04:00Review: Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Palette <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIdPUmLl9II/WVakKtAujkI/AAAAAAAAF5o/N6f5UgEcifcO_h60FfHq9FsdoeGHbaj3gCLcBGAs/s1600/morphexjaclynhill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIdPUmLl9II/WVakKtAujkI/AAAAAAAAF5o/N6f5UgEcifcO_h60FfHq9FsdoeGHbaj3gCLcBGAs/s1600/morphexjaclynhill.jpg" /></a></div><br />Early last month beauty YouTuber Jaclyn Hill <i>officially</i> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BU-OSnNl11F/?taken-by=jaclynhill" rel="nofollow">announced her collaboration</a> with Morphe Brushes -- a palette of 35 custom, brand new shades -- and I freaked out. I love Jaclyn's videos, which definitely played a part in this purchase, but I was excited to see that the palette wasn't full of nothing but warm neutral colors. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot, but there's also a good selection of bright shades. Besides a couple little single shadows from NYX, I don't own many neutral eye colors so I definitely needed more in my collection, but bright colors always appeal to me so much more.<br /><br />The palette went on sale on the Morphe website at 11AM EST on June 21st and sold out online in less than 45 minutes. I was able to order mine within 15 or 20 minutes, due to the site having a purchase queue to keep things running smoothly. The palette is priced at $38, I used Jaclyn's coupon code for 10% off which saved me $3.80, and I paid $7.95 for shipping to my PO box, which brought my total to $42.15. I've been eyeing Morphe's palettes for a while, but this was my first purchase from them so I wasn't completely sure of what to expect. The palette itself is pretty big, definitely the biggest one I own, and the pan sizes are pretty generous compared to palettes from other brands in this price range.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3bIaAdFRd0/WVavDgNCusI/AAAAAAAAF54/srPd20O3GRICv5uOfYLhhcYais0q8tUJQCLcBGAs/s1600/morphexjaclynhill_names.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Morphe X Jaclyn Hill palette names" border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3bIaAdFRd0/WVavDgNCusI/AAAAAAAAF54/srPd20O3GRICv5uOfYLhhcYais0q8tUJQCLcBGAs/s1600/morphexjaclynhill_names.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color names written in white don't mean anything-- it's just for easier reading.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>I usually prefer matte shadows, but the shimmer shadows in this palette have my heart. They're just so beautiful and creamy. Everything applies so easily and blends like a dream. Instead of ranking all 35 shadows, which would probably make my head explode, I've listed my top 5 favorite and least favorite shadows from this palette.<br /><b><u><br /></u></b><b><u>5 favorites:</u></b><br /><ol><li><b>Queen-</b> Holy guacamole, this is beautiful. It's so creamy, pigmented, and makes me feel fancy as hell when I wear it. If you love gilded gold eye looks, you'd love this.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Sissy-</b> This shade didn't immediately stand out to me, but so far I've used it more than any other shadow in this palette. It's such a beautiful pink shade with a hint of &nbsp;gold.</li><li><b>Pool Party- </b>This is such a bright, pretty blue. It's so pretty for summer and I'm already planning icy blue lids for winter.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Royalty- </b>I'm more of a lavender kinda gal than a true purple kinda gal, but I really love this shadow, especially paired with Queen, Sissy, Faint, or Little Lady.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Hustle- </b>This one is a smokey silver shimmer shadow, which is something I'm always drawn to. If I'm doing quick makeup, I just swipe this color over my lids and I'm done (with eyeshadow, at least).</li></ol><b><u>5 least favorites:</u></b><br /><ol><li><b>Twerk- </b>Not as pigmented as I had hoped for and it is a lot more purple than it looks in the pan.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Abyss</b>- This shade also isn't as pigmented as I had hoped for, but it can be built up, which can be good when you're working with black shadow. I think this would have been amazing as a shimmer shadow. Make my glam goth dreams come true!</li><li><b>24/7-</b> Glittery brown just isn't my thing. I can't really see myself wearing this one again.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Soda Pop- </b>This is a really dark purple color, which I can only see use for on my lower lash line. It's not for me.</li><li><b>Pukey-</b> I just don't like this color on myself. I think it makes me look sick...kinda pukey, in fact.</li></ol>I have a couple issues with this palette, but they're both pretty trivial. It's so big, which is great, but that makes it difficult to store. I keep all of my makeup in a train case and this palette is way too big to fit in there. The other issue I'm having is that I have a hard time differentiating all of the neutral shades. One day I used M.F.E.O. and loved it, so I went back to use it the next day and couldn't remember if I had used that one or Silk Creme. I'm trying to memorize the names so I don't have this problem, but it's not going well. I think I'm having an issue with that because I usually use such bright, rainbow-y colors, not neutrals.<br /><br />Although I was excited for the palette, I was also concerned that it wouldn't live up to the hype and that I wouldn't find much use for it. I'm happy to report that it totally does live up to the hype and I've been using it everyday. A few shades were a little disappointing and a few just aren't for me, but it's still a fantastic palette and a great value. In the past I've paid more money for smaller, much less impressive palettes so this one has given me a new standard. I don't regret this purchase one bit.<br /><br />You can <a href="https://www.morphebrushes.com/collections/pro-makeup-palettes/products/the-jaclyn-hill-eyeshadow-palette" rel="nofollow">sign up here</a> to get an email from Morphe when this palette is back in stock.Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-84838710442555362852017-07-03T08:00:00.000-04:002017-07-03T08:00:36.926-04:00July VNYL Delivery + Why I'm Not Renewing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVemFfNLp8s/WVaW5I1AMKI/AAAAAAAAF5E/jSW8YgT3dysNBEsEfiqyC1aj_u6rHkxwgCLcBGAs/s1600/35179954630_e8931ec71c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why I'm not renewing my VNYL subscription " border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVemFfNLp8s/WVaW5I1AMKI/AAAAAAAAF5E/jSW8YgT3dysNBEsEfiqyC1aj_u6rHkxwgCLcBGAs/s1600/35179954630_e8931ec71c_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />This is the last box in my 6 month VNYL subscription, so I was really hoping it would be a good one. I was counting on 3 exceptionally spot-on choices that would maybe convince me to renew my membership. As you can guess from the title of this post, that didn't happen. I've decided that I won't be renewing my membership, but I'll get to that later. Let's talk about what they sent me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u02CN2fBPa8/WVaYRHBMvBI/AAAAAAAAF5I/JvtW14Qcky4ccC4qx5WTrXeWe3UcfPkcACLcBGAs/s1600/35527978866_8f6d3138ef_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why I'm not renewing my VNYL subscription " border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u02CN2fBPa8/WVaYRHBMvBI/AAAAAAAAF5I/JvtW14Qcky4ccC4qx5WTrXeWe3UcfPkcACLcBGAs/s1600/35527978866_8f6d3138ef_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/76gAOhRw0LdEzby5MrTuWx" rel="nofollow">Someone Who Isn't Me by What Moon Things</a></div><br />The first track made me think this was an electronic album and I couldn't stand it-- I stopped it halfway through and put something else on. On my second listen, I powered through the weird first track and discovered that this is more psychedelic post-rock, I suppose you would call it. The opening track just doesn't fit or even make sense to me. Besides that, I'm not into this album. Listening to it in full puts me to sleep and it's a little irritating. I could probably listen to some tracks from this band on a playlist with other artists, but this album is not my jam.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmPZJ6FOS68/WVaYaSjzuRI/AAAAAAAAF5M/Zs1tJpyhmeM2kYVHq--4Cp2puHQvlLeDACLcBGAs/s1600/35179939520_2e73178625_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why I'm not renewing my VNYL subscription " border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmPZJ6FOS68/WVaYaSjzuRI/AAAAAAAAF5M/Zs1tJpyhmeM2kYVHq--4Cp2puHQvlLeDACLcBGAs/s1600/35179939520_2e73178625_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1YTAyWZ69SJxIuniZpQWu1" rel="nofollow">You &amp; Me by The Walkmen</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I know that a lot of people love The Walkmen, but I'm never been into them. This is another album that nearly put me to sleep. It just does nothing for me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEYCKnxD2Qo/WVaYgmL9gDI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/Kf64cr3L4hMHTsV-e0Xka7MYEumVpomogCLcBGAs/s1600/35179941470_374b53fb97_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why I'm not renewing my VNYL subscription " border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEYCKnxD2Qo/WVaYgmL9gDI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/Kf64cr3L4hMHTsV-e0Xka7MYEumVpomogCLcBGAs/s1600/35179941470_374b53fb97_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/785U9pCE1Gd21h7WxLIMl7" rel="nofollow">Get Gone by Seratones</a></div><br />This is the only album from the bunch that didn't put me to sleep. It's soulful blues-y rock and very upbeat, though only one track stood out to me, most sort of blended together. But this is an album that I will listen to again, unlike the others, and I think this band would be really fun to see live.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4MiBKDdwUg/WVaaiS24zRI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/oduYJ36N2ns3BLe9UxtCFeJnvdoL6DxkwCLcBGAs/s1600/page-break-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="95" data-original-width="987" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4MiBKDdwUg/WVaaiS24zRI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/oduYJ36N2ns3BLe9UxtCFeJnvdoL6DxkwCLcBGAs/s1600/page-break-01.jpg" /></a></div><br />I was hesitant to talk about this, but being honest in my reviews is very important to me. I have been pretty darn positive about VNYL in the past but there have always been some things that bothered me, and over the past month I've been putting a lot of thought into this. Here are the two <i>main</i> reasons why I'm not renewing my membership:<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><b>1) They didn't stick to my music preferences that I set in my profile</b><br />VNYL sent me duds as well as a few albums that were new to me that I really enjoyed, but <i>only once&nbsp;</i>did they stick to my preferences, which was my <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/04/april-vnyl-delivery.html">April delivery</a>. I selected that I was "cold as ice," meaning that I only wanted them to send music I already know and like. I made my profile as specific as possible-- I wrote in what I like and don't like with no characters leftover, I linked my Spotify, Last.fm, and Discogs profiles, but I still received a lot of music that didn't really feel like it was curated especially for me. I'm happy that I ended up discovering new music, but I also have a handful of albums that I'm never going to listen to and they were a waste of money. If they offer the option to be "cold as ice," they need to stick to it-- or make more of an effort.<br /><br /><b>2) Coattail-riding marketing tactics&nbsp;</b><br />Despite the previous thing I mentioned and another factor, I tried to stay as positive as possible about this subscription service because it's expensive and I didn't want to admit that it wasn't as great as I thought it would be. I was still considering renewing my subscription until this tweet popped up on my timeline because funny enough, VNYL "liked" it. Yet another example of why you shouldn't use bots!<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Pretty lame, <a href="https://twitter.com/getvnyl">@getvnyl</a>. File this under: You Come At The King, You Best Not Miss.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vinylmeplease?src=hash">#vinylmeplease</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VinylMePlease">@VinylMePlease</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cjschaefer">@cjschaefer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thestorfer">@thestorfer</a> <a href="https://t.co/KitH1rj1Xe">pic.twitter.com/KitH1rj1Xe</a></div>— Vinyl Emergency (@VinylEmergency) <a href="https://twitter.com/VinylEmergency/status/872153548427059200">June 6, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center>See anything weird there? For some context, <a href="http://www.vinylmeplease.com/" rel="nofollow">Vinyl Me, Please</a> is record subscription club that launched in 2013. This was the final nail in the coffin. VNYL is blatantly using their competitor's name in their ad campaign to trick people into clicking over to their own website. As both a business owner and a consumer, I find this marketing "strategy" to be very skeevy and dishonest. If anything, this only makes me feel more inclined to join Vinyl Me, Please.<br /><br /><br />I love the idea of VNYL but the execution needs some help. An annual membership is $420 and after my 6 month trial, I can't say that it's worth it.&nbsp;<b><i>What do you think about all this? Have you had a similar experience with VNYL?</i></b>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-1846771677254907422017-06-30T08:00:00.000-04:002017-06-30T08:00:18.046-04:00Review: June Ipsy Glam Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JaFhtnOUoI/WVKIwPfn_ZI/AAAAAAAAF4E/d1uVI_D2Z5kRuJe0VCCIVhLiIpqTthU0gCLcBGAs/s1600/34725829044_f7a6f93d9a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="june ipsy glam bag review" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JaFhtnOUoI/WVKIwPfn_ZI/AAAAAAAAF4E/d1uVI_D2Z5kRuJe0VCCIVhLiIpqTthU0gCLcBGAs/s1600/34725829044_f7a6f93d9a_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />The June Ipsy Glam Bag, the Volume Up bag, arrived a couple weeks ago and I've had a chance to use each product quite a bit. The message behind this bag is to get involved, speak your mind, and stand up for what you believe in. While I wholeheartedly support the message behind this bag design, it seems a bit like clip art and it is my least favorite bag design so far. But let's get to the important part, the contents of the bag!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tnfi2uqmU5g/WVKJp4C9I-I/AAAAAAAAF4M/owBejYIzfTkSNVFBkad_BRohUXPr9KfhACLcBGAs/s1600/ipsy_june_numbered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tnfi2uqmU5g/WVKJp4C9I-I/AAAAAAAAF4M/owBejYIzfTkSNVFBkad_BRohUXPr9KfhACLcBGAs/s1600/ipsy_june_numbered.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bqUE" rel="nofollow"><br /></a><br /><ol><li><b><a href="https://citycolorcosmetics.com/collections/eye-shadow/products/shimmer-shadows-42" rel="nofollow">City Color Cosmetics Shimmer Shadow in Cheers to Life, $4.99-</a>&nbsp;</b>Ipsy has now sent me 4 shades like this. I've liked all of them, but it's getting really boring. Anyway, this eyeshadow is very buttery and super pigmented. I was pretty impressed with it. It's a great price and I would definitely buy this shadow in other colors.&nbsp;</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bqUE" rel="nofollow">NYX Cosmetics Whipped Lip and Cheek Souffle in Pink Cloud, $5.99-&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</b>This is a product I've been interested in trying for a while, especially because I love cream blushes. It smells like candy and looks so pretty and natural on my cheeks, but it's very easy to go overboard. I'm not crazy about it as a lip product and I wouldn't recommend using it that way. It's a great, inexpensive cream blush, though!</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bqVS" rel="nofollow">MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua XL Eye Pencil M-10 Matte Black, $21-</a>&nbsp;</b>It's time for me to have a chat with Ipsy Care. They've sent me a few black pencil liners now, and those combined with the ones that I already own, I'm set with black pencil eyeliners for the rest of my life and beyond. This pencil does go on very easily and smooth and it is waterproof so it stays on all day. I would definitely consider purchasing this pencil, but in one of the bright shades they offer.&nbsp;</li><li><b><a href="https://www.doucce.com/product/eyes/maxlash-volumizer-mascara/" rel="nofollow">DOUCCE Maxlash Volumizer Mascara, &nbsp;$22-</a>&nbsp;</b>Somewhat recently, I&nbsp;found my perfect mascara-- <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bxlW" rel="nofollow">Pacifica's Dream Big mascara</a>-- and ever since I haven't been too eager to try new mascaras. Why mess with success? I was wary about this one because I usually don't like mascaras with applicators like this one's, but I absolutely love it. It makes my lashes look longer and separates them, no clumpiness. I've been using it every day since I got it.&nbsp;</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bqSI" rel="nofollow">BioRepublic Skincare Fiber Sheet Mask in Aloe and Green tea, $5 each-</a>&nbsp;</b>These sheet masks smell great, but they're a little perfume-y so if you're sensitive to that maybe these aren't for you. They also have more slits and flaps than other sheet masks I've used which made it more difficult to put them on my face and keep them in the right position. Despite those things, I really liked these sheet masks and my skin was glowing after I used them.&nbsp;</li></ol><div>All in all, this wasn't a bad bag. All of the products were great, even though I didn't love the colors of the eyeshadow and the eyeliner, and I would purchase everything that was sent to me.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Have you tried any of these products? <a href="https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=ppage_ref&amp;sid=link&amp;refer=10dtm3" rel="nofollow">Want to try Ipsy?</a>&nbsp;</i></b></div>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-42682615003418071172017-06-28T08:00:00.000-04:002017-07-01T09:29:26.100-04:00Little Wedding Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0i0HGArHZBM/WSiDn0PFAuI/AAAAAAAAFw8/AcPqy8IHCWk_4CwZOtB_nGWiW_RTlp4swCLcB/s1600/34067770744_c9ca5f5166_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="camden maine wedding" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0i0HGArHZBM/WSiDn0PFAuI/AAAAAAAAFw8/AcPqy8IHCWk_4CwZOtB_nGWiW_RTlp4swCLcB/s1600/34067770744_c9ca5f5166_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Spencer and I have been <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2016/12/camden-maine-wedding.html">married</a> for 9 months now but our wedding day is such a blur. I remember the planning and running around like a headless chicken, but the day itself went by so quickly. Since I'm having trouble remembering our wedding day so soon, I decided that I needed to surround myself with more reminders which is why I teamed up with <a href="https://www.printiki.com/?&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_source=poppyseeder.com" rel="nofollow">Printiki</a>, a photo printing service,&nbsp;for this post.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mri9IQmnnc/WSiDnI5iLtI/AAAAAAAAFw4/Rjv-_LJmY9wX8lBmVgQYw9uY7VpDnZ8EQCLcB/s1600/34778950841_bb7ea05b5f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="camden maine wedding" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mri9IQmnnc/WSiDnI5iLtI/AAAAAAAAFw4/Rjv-_LJmY9wX8lBmVgQYw9uY7VpDnZ8EQCLcB/s1600/34778950841_bb7ea05b5f_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />While our wedding day was a blur, I still remember many of the high points very clearly. A few for example:<br /><ul><li><b>We got ready together.</b>&nbsp;Which I guess isn't traditional because it's "unlucky" but we're not superstitious and I talk to Spencer every single morning while I'm getting ready. It also doesn't sound that exciting, but I would have been even more anxious if Spencer wasn't there with me.</li><li><b>The weather was perfect.</b>&nbsp;We had been biting our nails the whole week leading up to our wedding because rain was in the forecast and we were having an outdoor wedding. We had a backup location, but it was plan B for a reason! When the day came, the sky was clear and it wasn't too hot or too chilly.&nbsp;</li><li><b>We got take-out Thai for dinner. </b>On our wedding night we stayed at a local B&amp;B, where we stayed the first time we visited Maine together, watched Parks &amp; Recreation, and got take-out Pad Thai from my favorite restaurant. Also, the innkeeper so nicely gave us a free bottle of champagne. So basically, an ideal night in.&nbsp;</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dHt5nnv5qU/WVJ7PPPtmjI/AAAAAAAAF30/_prm4Omgq4Abu8ixJ_4oI0HKBbMMGiqGQCLcBGAs/s1600/34761112583_dbbc636b9d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="camden maine wedding" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dHt5nnv5qU/WVJ7PPPtmjI/AAAAAAAAF30/_prm4Omgq4Abu8ixJ_4oI0HKBbMMGiqGQCLcBGAs/s1600/34761112583_dbbc636b9d_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />While I love my wedding album, it unfortunately just gathers dust on my coffee table. I rarely sit down and flip through all the hundreds of photos. Also, the rental home we currently live in is a bit too small for us and the layout is awkward, so we don't have nearly as much space as we need or would like. I have so many framed photos sitting in boxes because there just isn't room for them. That's why I love these prints, they're small and easy to display strung up on the wall or even stuck to the fridge. I can put them anywhere in my house and always have little reminders all around me of our fantastic wedding day.<br /><br />You can use the code "<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BYDV3C6Y" for free shipping on your <a href="https://www.printiki.com/?&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_source=poppyseeder.com" rel="nofollow">Printiki</a> order!&nbsp;</span></span><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>*This post was sponsored by <a href="https://www.printiki.com/?&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_source=poppyseeder.com" rel="nofollow">Printiki</a>. All opinions stated here are mine. All wedding photos were taken by Wylde Photography.*</i></b>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-52717977647291585962017-06-27T08:00:00.000-04:002017-07-08T10:26:33.756-04:00Beech Hill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNnRLEkTzw0/WVBYR64kR8I/AAAAAAAAF3E/bhjh0xrRIrgk17fDaNof-pTdoQ9QeHJCgCLcBGAs/s1600/35534124575_6e52da8027_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="beech hill preserve maine" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNnRLEkTzw0/WVBYR64kR8I/AAAAAAAAF3E/bhjh0xrRIrgk17fDaNof-pTdoQ9QeHJCgCLcBGAs/s1600/35534124575_6e52da8027_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Continuing with our never-ending quest to explore every beautiful spot in Maine, on Sunday Spencer and I visited <a href="http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/381c99_0ef62f6e5dce4c4aaa069e9b3ac61238.pdf" rel="nofollow">Beech Hill Preserve</a> in Rockport for the first time. I've been wanting to visit for such a long time and surprisingly Spencer, who grew up in the Camden-Rockport area, had never been. The weather was absolutely perfect so it was go time.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you want wide open spaces and beautiful views of the Penobscot Bay, this is the place for you. It's an active blueberry farm as well as a nature preserve and at the very top of the hill is the cutest little house, Beech Nut, that was designed by Norwegian architect Hans O. Heistad and was constructed between 1913 and 1915. My favorite part of Beech Nut is definitely the daisies growing on the roof, but there also seems to be some pretty interesting history there. For example, it may or may not have been a German spy house during World War I!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q48doxlITfk/WVBYOeiXu4I/AAAAAAAAF24/MA3KzODUSSA-Bd496RgEjEw2Wdb-9i0jwCLcBGAs/s1600/35147714190_156541a7c6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="beech hill preserve maine" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q48doxlITfk/WVBYOeiXu4I/AAAAAAAAF24/MA3KzODUSSA-Bd496RgEjEw2Wdb-9i0jwCLcBGAs/s1600/35147714190_156541a7c6_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />There are two trails to the top but we took the Summit Road Trail, which is the original trail. On either side of the trail are blueberry fields, which is why it is roped off, but during blueberry season you are allowed to pick blueberries from the sides. Though, of course, the trail is uphill it's very easy and it took us about 15 minutes to get to the top, but we were moseying.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk8hpX_6GKY/WVBYPosAuvI/AAAAAAAAF28/Vbd8STKPR84439OB9RN3O-QhMS0kps9MACLcBGAs/s1600/35367339002_b2b103bb2a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="beech hill preserve maine" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk8hpX_6GKY/WVBYPosAuvI/AAAAAAAAF28/Vbd8STKPR84439OB9RN3O-QhMS0kps9MACLcBGAs/s1600/35367339002_b2b103bb2a_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Besides the adorable Beech Nut house, at the top you'll find one of the best views around. I feel like this sounds so cheesy, but it really is so beautiful up there and I want to go back right now! And every day! It almost felt like the setting of a Studio Ghibli film, it was just so beautiful and serene, and we didn't encounter any other people on the trail, just at the top. Though I knew about this spot for a while, I had no idea how incredibly beautiful it was-- people really undersell it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OK8tPmSPH6A/WVBYYLOKTYI/AAAAAAAAF3I/q-P78D1834w8VOqtf-Huyyvv8POQE7IewCLcBGAs/s1600/35534598535_24da63400d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="beech hill preserve maine" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OK8tPmSPH6A/WVBYYLOKTYI/AAAAAAAAF3I/q-P78D1834w8VOqtf-Huyyvv8POQE7IewCLcBGAs/s1600/35534598535_24da63400d_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />This is just more proof that exploring where you live can be awesome. It doesn't take much effort to discover new places. I look on <a href="https://foursquare.com/" rel="nofollow">Foursquare</a>, trail websites,&nbsp;and local environmental conservation organizations often have great resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;I'll definitely be back soon, so expect more photos.<br /><br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Such a perfect day ☀️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaineThing?src=hash">#MaineThing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveMaine?src=hash">#LoveMaine</a> <a href="https://t.co/DgCOobauMB">pic.twitter.com/DgCOobauMB</a></div>— Poppyseeder (@PPPYSDR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PPPYSDR/status/879019343736188929">June 25, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uH8gl-jVxHc/WVBYQ2NVwvI/AAAAAAAAF3A/wpjNwIGZjjw_gUnANrGnzsSStVnyhVT3ACLcBGAs/s1600/spencer_being_adorable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="beech hill preserve maine" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1276" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uH8gl-jVxHc/WVBYQ2NVwvI/AAAAAAAAF3A/wpjNwIGZjjw_gUnANrGnzsSStVnyhVT3ACLcBGAs/s1600/spencer_being_adorable.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Bonus: some shots of Spencer being adorable.<br /><br /><b><i>Where in your town do you love to explore? Do you know of anywhere in Maine that I should visit?&nbsp;</i></b>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-49654663119779854342017-06-22T08:00:00.000-04:002017-06-22T08:00:37.568-04:00Review: June Birchbox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xP4OZfbN268/WUr6CzOYjuI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/4TefYH57kc8Po47aR4nP3GownMaggL8-ACLcBGAs/s1600/35287498162_babb9d47c9_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="june 2017 birchbox review" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xP4OZfbN268/WUr6CzOYjuI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/4TefYH57kc8Po47aR4nP3GownMaggL8-ACLcBGAs/s1600/35287498162_babb9d47c9_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />When this month's Birchbox arrived in the mail I realized that the end is near-- for my subscription, I mean. My July box is the last one in my subscription, which was a gift (shout out to my in-laws) so I was really hoping for my last couple boxes to be really great.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWfLFw3uouw/WUr2yeyK1sI/AAAAAAAAF2I/1e9i25FGVBQlinesvveaUuxGSpYu_dQIwCLcBGAs/s1600/june_birchbox_numbers.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="june 2017 birchbox review" border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWfLFw3uouw/WUr2yeyK1sI/AAAAAAAAF2I/1e9i25FGVBQlinesvveaUuxGSpYu_dQIwCLcBGAs/s1600/june_birchbox_numbers.gif" title="" /></a></div><br /><ol><li><b><a href="https://www.birchbox.com/product/22326" rel="nofollow">The Beauty Crop Blush Duo, $10-</a>&nbsp;</b>I've been getting so many blushes from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/search/label/ipsy">Ipsy</a>&nbsp;lately, so I wasn't too excited to receive this blush duo. The right side is an orangey-coral powder blush and the left side is a more pink, but still coral, cream blush. The powder blush isn't a great shade for me, but I really like the cream blush. It's very pigmented and easy to go overboard with it, but it can also be very subtle and natural looking. I'm definitely going to use the cream blush till it's all gone.</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bdah" rel="nofollow">Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36-&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</b>I've received a ton of single-use sample packets of this primer over the past couple years, but this is the first time I've received a sample of it that was substantial enough for me to actually know if I liked it or not. Now I actually know that this primer isn't for me. I noticed that my foundation didn't last nearly as long when I used this primer and came off more easily and looked patchy.&nbsp;</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bdad" rel="nofollow">amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, $24-</a>&nbsp;</b>It's a nice smelling dry shampoo that gets the job done. There's not much else I can say.</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bdar" rel="nofollow">COOLA Rosilliance Organic BB Cream SPF 30 in shade light/medium, $52-</a></b>&nbsp;COOLA is such a hyped-up brand but y'all, I have been less than thrilled with every single product I've tried from them, including this one. My sample tube was only half-filled, if that, and the consistency was extremely watery even after I shook the tube to mix things up. Once applied, I couldn't see any color or coverage on my face whatsoever. For a $52 product, I expected a lot more.</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/bc5q" rel="nofollow">JUARA Rose &amp; Willowbark Purifying Mask, $38-</a></b>&nbsp; This mask claims to be great for anti-aging, purifying, and softening. The scent is quite earthy, but I was expecting it to be more floral so it threw me off. The description says that the mask "feels calming and soothing on contact" but upon putting it on my face I realized that means it is a warming mask, which wasn't blatantly stated anywhere, so I had a few moments of "is this a warming mask or am I having an allergic reaction?" That's not a fun game to play. I rode it out and my skin felt soft and smooth, a little more so than after my usual skincare routine. However, I don't think this is something I would purchase because of the price and there are so many comparable products out there and I'm really not a fan of warming masks.</li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OO2i0XP_NZM/WUr3IJ49PoI/AAAAAAAAF2M/q80KdYXzVoIn2d6qFGN0lZsjCvQ9R6RGQCLcBGAs/s1600/35414319466_6a99465a5c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="June 2017 Birchbox review" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OO2i0XP_NZM/WUr3IJ49PoI/AAAAAAAAF2M/q80KdYXzVoIn2d6qFGN0lZsjCvQ9R6RGQCLcBGAs/s1600/35414319466_6a99465a5c_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, this wasn't the best Birchbox but it certainly wasn't the worst. I'm hoping that my next and last box will end things on a better note.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Have you tried any of these products? <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/invite/pppysdr" rel="nofollow">Want to subscribe to Birchbox?&nbsp;</a></i></b></div>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-28489828948063889982017-06-15T08:00:00.000-04:002017-06-15T08:00:06.916-04:00Pemaquid Point + Fort Point<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5r-ZjX5z_SM/WUGbwdkUoDI/AAAAAAAAFz8/4dSOflEpGtgX6m4b0pyvN91VOqL2VR7KgCLcBGAs/s1600/34493334233_4659bb6b95_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pemaquid point maine" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5r-ZjX5z_SM/WUGbwdkUoDI/AAAAAAAAFz8/4dSOflEpGtgX6m4b0pyvN91VOqL2VR7KgCLcBGAs/s1600/34493334233_4659bb6b95_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Life has been serving up stress and mundanity for Spencer and I lately but thankfully we've still found time for some little adventures. We recently crossed 2 places off of our to-do list, and both of them involved lighthouses.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvtIis0vX7c/WUGjf-v8siI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/ej4tlpfsVtM_zINnfsy30JWoACWjy-vSQCLcBGAs/s1600/34459318324_a3dd64f4cc_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pemaquid point maine" border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvtIis0vX7c/WUGjf-v8siI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/ej4tlpfsVtM_zINnfsy30JWoACWjy-vSQCLcBGAs/s1600/34459318324_a3dd64f4cc_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />First we headed to Pemaquid Point, located in Bristol, which is a pretty popular spot for tourists, but we arrived just as they opened so it wasn't too crowded. There is a $3/person fee and other than the lighthouse, you'll find the Fisherman's Museum and the Pemaquid Art Gallery. The views alone are worth the entry fee. Pemaquid Point is famous for the rocky cliffs, which I almost loved as much as I loved the panoramic view of the ocean. This was an unplanned trip, so I was wearing flats which certainly weren't the best shoes for walking on the jagged rocks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9LkJhQal1I/WUGeIf4Z8qI/AAAAAAAAF0I/RCVcLrDLkUMjWy3Ifkogffds_1m16e8ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/34459312784_1ffa427592_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pemaquid point light" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9LkJhQal1I/WUGeIf4Z8qI/AAAAAAAAF0I/RCVcLrDLkUMjWy3Ifkogffds_1m16e8ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/34459312784_1ffa427592_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />The lighthouse itself was first built in 1827, commissioned by President John Quincy Adams, and is owned by the Coast Guard and managed by the Friends of Pemaquid Point Light, so it is open to tour the inside whenever the park is open. It's safe to say that Pemaquid Point is one of the most popular attractions in Maine's Midcoast region, and it's easy to see why.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNjEuGxse0k/WUGUdEOsatI/AAAAAAAAFzo/KIrZozOaVuQC4tyOJNdwLYnG9UthqX08QCLcBGAs/s1600/34493340753_8d779a98ce_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fort point state park" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNjEuGxse0k/WUGUdEOsatI/AAAAAAAAFzo/KIrZozOaVuQC4tyOJNdwLYnG9UthqX08QCLcBGAs/s1600/34493340753_8d779a98ce_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we headed about 30 miles north of Camden to the town of Stockton Springs where Fort Point State Park is. We didn't know much about it before we went, only that there was a lighthouse and it wasn't a very popular state park (compared to our local <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2016/12/camden-maine-wedding.html">Camden Hills State Park</a>, at least.) There was no ranger at the gate, only a box to drop the <a href="http://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/park_passes_fees_rules/park_day_use_fees.shtml" rel="nofollow">fee</a> in, and we only encountered 4 other people while we were there. We found an informational plaque, read up on the history of the park, and found out that the area was settled in 1759 when Governor Pownall brought 400 men to build a fort to defend the area during the French and Indian War. The fort saw no action during the war, then in 1872 a luxury hotel was built there, which burned down in 1898. Now the park is just home to the ruins of the fort, Fort Point Light, and trails. The lighthouse, built in 1857, is private and occupied by the lighthouse keeper as this is an active lighthouse.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fQUB-Ygl9g/WUGYntSE4TI/AAAAAAAAFz0/-Nxk0wj-nUs_TcYKWTuthitihG_mEwhVwCLcBGAs/s1600/35302908865_175a7e11d4_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fort point state park" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fQUB-Ygl9g/WUGYntSE4TI/AAAAAAAAFz0/-Nxk0wj-nUs_TcYKWTuthitihG_mEwhVwCLcBGAs/s1600/35302908865_175a7e11d4_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We didn't have time to explore the trails or the beach but this is a decent-sized, beautiful, and secluded park. I definitely think it's a mistake to pass it up, especially if you need a break from the insanely-crowded parks that are more popular with tourists. It's only about 3 miles off Route 1, so if you're passing through, check it out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmSmGJQIaZU/WUGmePVvltI/AAAAAAAAF0g/tTjRpmWZCQczqz_XA4rC_JN3ZHueEFIJQCLcBGAs/s1600/35082400912_086a475ec2_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pemaquid point maine" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmSmGJQIaZU/WUGmePVvltI/AAAAAAAAF0g/tTjRpmWZCQczqz_XA4rC_JN3ZHueEFIJQCLcBGAs/s1600/35082400912_086a475ec2_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Summer is off to a good start, I'd say!...even though it's still technically spring.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Where are you adventuring this summer? Tell me in the comments!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-75203623069891754522017-06-05T08:00:00.000-04:002017-06-05T08:00:11.200-04:00June VNYL Delivery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yY1xnneo6KA/WTLj8FEzzUI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/Ah34Mu8KuqImJTrj0Ej09VMjX5DHD2QpwCLcB/s1600/34229179844_4351a479c1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="VNYL subscription box" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yY1xnneo6KA/WTLj8FEzzUI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/Ah34Mu8KuqImJTrj0Ej09VMjX5DHD2QpwCLcB/s1600/34229179844_4351a479c1_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Yet another hot pink box arrived so I'm gonna tell you about what was inside. In case you don't know, <a href="http://vnyl.org/" rel="nofollow">VNYL</a> is a vinyl record subscription box that sends you three records each month. I went into the specifics a little more in my <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/01/first-vynl-delivery.html">first post</a> about it, if you're interested. Anyway, let's get into what I was sent this month.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTsxkms8TGs/WTLihGVgK2I/AAAAAAAAFyE/5sXzj5jbiwcwUkGXexo3F0mdCgq6Z82gACLcB/s1600/34685635040_7f286f1d1e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Four Year Strong Go Down in History vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTsxkms8TGs/WTLihGVgK2I/AAAAAAAAFyE/5sXzj5jbiwcwUkGXexo3F0mdCgq6Z82gACLcB/s1600/34685635040_7f286f1d1e_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1r4r9r8CeZfAsnkWoBs0y6" rel="nofollow">Go Down in History by Four Year Strong</a></div><br />Four Year Strong isn't a band I've ever been too into (however, I really enjoyed their covers album, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/5XflF7NabQ8JXmqzPXc0yN" rel="nofollow">Explains It All</a>). Truthfully, I wasn't very stoked about this pick when I first pulled it out of the box. I may have muttered "are you serious?" But I listened to it and enjoyed it quite a bit more than I thought I would, and I've listened to it a few more times since it arrived. Shout out to my curator, Sam, I'm sorry that I doubted you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBoiSQ2AfK4/WTLitBxAeAI/AAAAAAAAFyI/guG_lXE04N4AFMtGUNBcAr4sSIRcT8AkwCLcB/s1600/34262073033_1d0c82aca9_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Apollo Up! Chariots of Fire vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBoiSQ2AfK4/WTLitBxAeAI/AAAAAAAAFyI/guG_lXE04N4AFMtGUNBcAr4sSIRcT8AkwCLcB/s1600/34262073033_1d0c82aca9_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4JE2hI6QkAvg5b4oZQjeaP" rel="nofollow">Chariots of Fire by Apollo Up!</a></div><br />This isn't something I would have gravitated toward, but I really like it. The whole album is really energetic. I've been putting it on while I clean the house and dance around, it makes boring tasks more fun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOep4-qozuY/WTLi8t7STrI/AAAAAAAAFyM/h_MfdoGVbpwIeMnB9XZ_Uh8wZ7S1LmQyQCLcB/s1600/34908883892_71d7ec5700_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sharkmuffin Tsuki vinyl" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOep4-qozuY/WTLi8t7STrI/AAAAAAAAFyM/h_MfdoGVbpwIeMnB9XZ_Uh8wZ7S1LmQyQCLcB/s1600/34908883892_71d7ec5700_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3wuXZca4EXEoTJTTWrNBUE" rel="nofollow">Tsuki by Sharkmuffin</a></div><br />This is definitely my favorite album from this delivery. I've been really into female-led garage punk <strike>lately</strike>&nbsp;for the last decade, so of course this instantly appealed to me.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpyKbiLu9ks/WSBnR5R6P7I/AAAAAAAAFTI/3hPg1nyiP8Qf1q7uKm8i7gSHfB6JOoyhACLcB/s1600/gold.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="VNYL subscription box" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpyKbiLu9ks/WSBnR5R6P7I/AAAAAAAAFTI/3hPg1nyiP8Qf1q7uKm8i7gSHfB6JOoyhACLcB/s1600/gold.gif" title="" /></a></div><br />All in all, this wasn't a bad box at all!<br /><br /><b><i>Have you listened to any of these albums? Want $10 off for VNYL? <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/p/contact_14.html">Shoot me an email</a> &amp; I'll hook ya up!&nbsp;</i></b>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-11967871996120478672017-06-01T08:00:00.000-04:002017-06-01T08:00:07.134-04:00Current Favorites #4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's time for me to gush over my favorite new products that I've tried over the past month! Most of the products are hair-related since I am constantly trying new hair products, especially sulfate-free shampoos which are safer for <a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/01/review-gooddyeyoung-hair-color.html">colored hair</a>. I also decided to try out a new micellar water and it has replaced my old go-to. I'm pretty darn pleased with my recent finds.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hk1GUDWzokc/WS2XefUUc4I/AAAAAAAAFx0/vQGE-VVwxkYf4v79_z_zFj_UHUvzbizKACLcB/s1600/34992066325_f4da47b52f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lisa frank blush brush, pacifica micellar water, indie hair, nature's gate" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hk1GUDWzokc/WS2XefUUc4I/AAAAAAAAFx0/vQGE-VVwxkYf4v79_z_zFj_UHUvzbizKACLcB/s1600/34992066325_f4da47b52f_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><ul><li><b><a href="https://lisafrankxglamourdolls.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders" rel="nofollow">Lisa Frank x Glamour Dolls Angled Blush Brush, $5-</a>&nbsp;</b>While I do think this brush was very over-hyped (<i>but I totally bought into the hype soooo</i>) I've been using it every day and I love it. It's soft, fluffy, and applies blush well. It's a perfectly fine brush for $5, plus it's super cute.</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/DQC" rel="nofollow">Pacifica Kale Water Micellar Cleansing Tonic, $12-</a></b>&nbsp;This is the micellar water that I've been searching for. It smells so good and fresh and takes even the cakiest of makeup off with ease. I want to use it all the time, even when I don't have makeup to take off. Pacifica nailed it.</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/DPd" rel="nofollow">Indie Hair Dry Shampoo, $15-</a>&nbsp;</b>I actually won this (and the hairspray) in an Instagram giveaway hosted by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbroders/" rel="nofollow">Jennifer Broders</a> and Indie Hair, so many thanks to them! I love this dry shampoo because it has a fresh scent that isn't overpowering and keeps my hair feeling fresh between washes.&nbsp;</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/DPa" rel="nofollow">Indie Hair Hairspray, $18-</a>&nbsp;</b>This hairspray is said to have a strong hold, but I'd say it's more of &nbsp;a medium hold-- but I like that, because strong hold hairsprays usually give my hair a crunchy texture, and this hairspray doesn't. This hairspray holds my style but not in a stiff, crunchy way. It has a light fruity scent, and again, it's not overpowering.</li><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/DQQ" rel="nofollow">Nature's Gate Shampoo, $4.99-</a></b>&nbsp;Not any particular formula, in general this shampoo is just great. It's vegan, non-GMO, and sulfate-free. My hair color barely bleeds at all when I use it, which is a very important factor for me. My very favorite shampoo is <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/DQ2" rel="nofollow">Pacifica's Super Kale Shampoo</a> ($10) but it isn't sold at any stores near me so I have to order it online or travel quite a bit to get it. The Nature's Gate shampoo is half the price, just as good, and is popping up at more and more stores in my area.</li></ul><div><b><i>Have you tried any of these? What products have you been loving lately?</i></b>&nbsp;</div>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-77330457149182986602017-05-29T08:00:00.000-04:002017-05-29T08:00:01.155-04:005 Reasons to Collect Vinyl Records<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-036eC6bo2Jc/WSBp0nmpH5I/AAAAAAAAFTU/h6XjqX6nhTI_8zGCoVlbQbrNCEr7IoIrACLcB/s1600/flipping.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="reasons to collect vinyl records" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-036eC6bo2Jc/WSBp0nmpH5I/AAAAAAAAFTU/h6XjqX6nhTI_8zGCoVlbQbrNCEr7IoIrACLcB/s1600/flipping.gif" title="" /></a></div><br />I've received some criticism in the past for collecting vinyl records. Everything from "<i>it's a waste of money, just stream</i>," to "<i>you just wanna hang them on your wall like a hipster, not actually listen to them.</i>"(By the way, there's nothing wrong with displaying albums that you love!) &nbsp;Those people don't get it. I've attempted to collect many things in my life and this is the only thing I've stuck with, there has to be a good reason (or five) for that.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaxmY5MlRMM/WSRMwQ5Dz2I/AAAAAAAAFT4/w194gf8fD58dbWaUOGBcmpEle-NtMFVSgCLcB/s1600/testpresses_equalvision.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="vinyl test presses" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaxmY5MlRMM/WSRMwQ5Dz2I/AAAAAAAAFT4/w194gf8fD58dbWaUOGBcmpEle-NtMFVSgCLcB/s1600/testpresses_equalvision.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_label" rel="nofollow">Test presses</a>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><b>1. It's fun!</b><br />Whether you love the thrill of the hunt, connecting with other vinyl collectors, or finding colored or rare vinyl-- it's fun! I personally love getting my hands on some pretty colored vinyl, which you probably know if you've been around for a while, and I especially love finding more rare albums. I might get <i>too</i> excited, but I mean, I haven't had to cut up my credit card yet so I think I'm doing alright.<br /><br /><b>2. Vinyl sounds better.</b><br />This isn't pretentious hipster nonsense, it's mostly true. I say 'mostly' because it depends on what equipment you listen with, the condition of the record, and if the record is a reissue (more on that <a href="http://vinyljunkies.co/vinyl-101-original-vs-reissue/" rel="nofollow">here</a>) but <i>usually</i> vinyl does indeed sound better. Vinyl is in a lossless format, meaning nothing of the recording has been lost like it may be when compressed into MP3 or similar formats, and you'll hear it as it was intended to be heard.<br /><b></b><br /><b></b><b>3. Vinyl retains value.</b><br />You can't re-sell the MP3 files that you purchase, but you can re-sell your vinyl records! Boom. (Not that I'd ever want to.)<br /><br /><b>4. It's an active&nbsp;experience.</b><br />Flipping through crates at record stores, flipping the record over on the turntable, looking at the album art, reading the credits...collecting vinyl makes you slow down and appreciate the music more, as well as all the work that goes into it. When I listen to my records, it's not as background noise, it's more of an active experience.<br /><br /><b>5. Support your favorite artists.</b><br />If you like what someone does, support their work and thus spread warm fuzzies around the universe.<br /><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDoSTO7p6jU/WSS0XmUPOfI/AAAAAAAAFU8/m5ldMGIKqYUGwzS2rQ9IgHM7mXWm935dQCLcB/s1600/5_reasons_to_collect_vinyl_records.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDoSTO7p6jU/WSS0XmUPOfI/AAAAAAAAFU8/m5ldMGIKqYUGwzS2rQ9IgHM7mXWm935dQCLcB/s1600/5_reasons_to_collect_vinyl_records.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><i><br /></i></b>Oh, and look! I attempted to make a pinnable image for you.<br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>What's your all-time favorite album or band? Tell me in the comments!</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b>P.S.-- if you're a frequent(ish) reader of Poppyseeder, please take <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/mLGHFLcXQXpVgZ0F2" rel="nofollow">this quick 'lil survey</a> so I can get an idea of what you want to see more of. Thanks!Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-33155560234879540352017-05-26T14:00:00.000-04:002017-05-26T14:00:00.209-04:00Meatless Summer Meals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpGGe1mTkcE/WShldtsrrFI/AAAAAAAAFwo/W2PNbmB9mA8SK8oRcgSW8GnReKvSeo-jgCLcB/s1600/meatless_summer_meals.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="meatless summer meals" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpGGe1mTkcE/WShldtsrrFI/AAAAAAAAFwo/W2PNbmB9mA8SK8oRcgSW8GnReKvSeo-jgCLcB/s1600/meatless_summer_meals.gif" title="" /></a></div><br />Summer is cookout time which usually means hot dogs, hamburgers, and pasta and/or potato salad. Sometimes for people who eat a plant-based diet, cookouts equal eating nothing but sides. Not that side dishes aren't awesome, but it can get a little boring.<br /><br />I've teamed up with Nasoya and Lightlife to show you a few examples of meatless cookout options that are easy to make, protein-packed, and delicious. Whether you don't eat meat or you're someone who is trying to plan a meal for someone who doesn't, I think you'll find these ideas helpful.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AUnCR58lOQ/WShRkVm5xKI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/VoZmc9Fx-dkenSH3NmUJXY3ZomSWfkmPgCLcB/s1600/34096461603_b75dc97cd0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vegetarian summer cookout" border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AUnCR58lOQ/WShRkVm5xKI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/VoZmc9Fx-dkenSH3NmUJXY3ZomSWfkmPgCLcB/s1600/34096461603_b75dc97cd0_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Lightlife's <a href="https://lightlife.com/products/smart-dogs" rel="nofollow">Smart Dogs</a></i></b> are one of my favorite meat alternative products. They're delicious, low in fat, and have 7 grams of protein per dog. Plus, they're easy to cook and cook quickly. Smart Dogs are usually what my friends and family choose to be the meatless option at their cookouts for all those reasons.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0nCtgqv2B0/WShRjqJh7VI/AAAAAAAAFwI/JxondAvI6lI8f23oO7Y_AgWJvlrW5tzvgCLcB/s1600/34866869066_7f9d7a7e84_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vegetarian summer cookout" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0nCtgqv2B0/WShRjqJh7VI/AAAAAAAAFwI/JxondAvI6lI8f23oO7Y_AgWJvlrW5tzvgCLcB/s1600/34866869066_7f9d7a7e84_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iIDIvWHIgWc/WShRj-jiGVI/AAAAAAAAFwM/c1GpJ-sAZOwpzDuLibYUPJMJyf6snrmTgCLcB/s1600/34775459491_499c5a1fe7_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vegetarian summer cookout " border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iIDIvWHIgWc/WShRj-jiGVI/AAAAAAAAFwM/c1GpJ-sAZOwpzDuLibYUPJMJyf6snrmTgCLcB/s1600/34775459491_499c5a1fe7_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Another thing I love to make is grilled tofu "steaks" using Nasoya's <a href="http://www.nasoya.com/healthy-tofu-products/organic-extra-firm-tofu/" rel="nofollow"><b><i>Organic Extra Firm Tofu</i></b></a>. The key to easy tofu grilling is to press as much liquid out of the tofu as possible. I use a tofu press, keep it in the fridge, and let the water drain out for at least 24 hours, though it can certainly be done in less time. An hour before grilling, I marinate the tofu in vegan Worcestershire sauce, then throw it on the grill. It's so good, y'all. So good. You can also cube the tofu and make tofu and veggie kabobs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqQEOq7Q49s/WShRtvC9u2I/AAAAAAAAFwY/NeRC1vx-DGgEoGV_n5MqZWUbiwdAUd-VwCLcB/s1600/34775455671_d60636ee5e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vegetarian summer cookout " border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqQEOq7Q49s/WShRtvC9u2I/AAAAAAAAFwY/NeRC1vx-DGgEoGV_n5MqZWUbiwdAUd-VwCLcB/s1600/34775455671_d60636ee5e_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />When I first transitioned to a plant-based diet I was skeptical of tofu, but I was even more skeptical of tempeh. But now if tempeh is involved, I'm all over it! Lightlife's <a href="https://lightlife.com/products/garden-veggie-tempeh-burger" rel="nofollow"><b><i>Garden Veggie Tempeh Burgers</i></b></a>&nbsp;have 9 grams of protein per burger, have a great texture, and aren't frozen so they cook more quickly than other veggie burgers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSPDQ9u8h1I/WShRmNzqJXI/AAAAAAAAFwU/GtIIn5D1sfMT2Umj4F2xXdi1moZg6EavQCLcB/s1600/34907382835_0ac52b1821_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vegetarian summer cookout " border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSPDQ9u8h1I/WShRmNzqJXI/AAAAAAAAFwU/GtIIn5D1sfMT2Umj4F2xXdi1moZg6EavQCLcB/s1600/34907382835_0ac52b1821_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />Instead of the usual pasta salad, try out this <b><i><a href="http://www.nasoya.com/healthy-tofu-recipes/cold-noodle-asian-tofu-salad/" rel="nofollow">Cold Noodle Asian Tofu Salad</a></i></b>. It's so flavorful, refreshing, and filling. The recipe didn't call for it, but I added cilantro because I'm always looking for opportunities to add cilantro to my food.<br /><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>What's your favorite meatless meal to make for cookouts?&nbsp;</i></b><br /><br /><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #272727; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">*This post was sponsored by Nasoya and Lightlife. All opinions stated here are mine!*</i></b>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8926105122938114997.post-41859179969554706772017-05-24T08:00:00.000-04:002017-05-24T12:14:04.966-04:00Review: May Ipsy Glam Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utUbm1nxj2k/WSRq030fU2I/AAAAAAAAFUY/wNtz6GZ3TwMZfwnzses75CmnHkvSHLe8ACLcB/s1600/34847197965_e3aa0672e7_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="May Ipsy Glam Bag" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utUbm1nxj2k/WSRq030fU2I/AAAAAAAAFUY/wNtz6GZ3TwMZfwnzses75CmnHkvSHLe8ACLcB/s1600/34847197965_e3aa0672e7_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.poppyseeder.com/2017/04/review-april-ipsy-glam-bag.html">Last month's Glam Bag</a> was probably my least favorite that I've received so far, so I wasn't sure what to expect this month. The bag theme is "Summer Friday" and the bag itself is a clear plastic bag with an ice cream print-- cute, but not something I'd reuse, so it's staying in my drawer till I find a new home for it. Let's get into the products...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eORjKaQojyg/WSRrfh2lgUI/AAAAAAAAFUg/xxbaJP1z_sI1Bkt_YlEQNI9ZKQQZix1aQCLcB/s1600/may_ipsy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="may ipsy glam bag" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eORjKaQojyg/WSRrfh2lgUI/AAAAAAAAFUg/xxbaJP1z_sI1Bkt_YlEQNI9ZKQQZix1aQCLcB/s1600/may_ipsy.gif" title="" /></a></div><br /><br /><ol><li><b><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/yo8" rel="nofollow">Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Highlight in Sin, $26-</a></b>&nbsp;I've previously said that I was sick of getting so many highlights from Ipsy, but this one rules. It's such a beautiful shade and is just a great highlight. I usually spend a minute or so looking in the mirror and turning my head after applying this-- it's just so pretty!</li><li><a href="https://www.cailyncosmetics.com/lip/liquid-matte/pure-lust-extreme-matte-tint-velvet" rel="nofollow"><b>CAILYN Cosmetics Pure Lust Extreme Matte Tint&nbsp;+ Velvet in Practicable, $19-</b></a>&nbsp;Yaaaas. I love the product and especially the shade, though I think it may be a tad bit too deep of a berry shade on me. That doesn't stop me from wearing it almost every day! It dries very quickly, though it does remain slightly sticky feeling, and also makes the lines on my lips stand out a bit more than other liquid lipsticks. But it stays on my lips so well, feels great, and is a beautiful shade. I absolutely love it.&nbsp;</li><li><b><a href="https://purebrazilian.com/product/shine-ultra-light-nourishing-oil/" rel="nofollow">Pure Brazilian Shine Ultra Light Nourishing Oil, $26-</a></b>&nbsp;This hair oil smooths my hair, tames frizz, and smells great. Have you ever purchased a hair oil that didn't smell great, does that even exist?&nbsp;</li><li><b><a href="https://purlisse.com/products/bb-tinted-moist-cream" rel="nofollow">pur~lisse BB Tinted Moist Cream SPF 30 in Light, $35-&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</b>I've been wearing this under my makeup and I haven't had any issues. Usually BB creams look too dark on me, even the lightest shades, but this one doesn't seem to be too dark. It's light in color, lightweight, moisturizing, and provides sun protection-- perfect for me and the summer.</li><li><b><a href="https://www.luxiebeauty.com/luxie-dreamcatcher-precision-foundation-face-brush-660/" rel="nofollow">Luxie Beauty Dreamcatcher Precision Foundation Brush, $23-</a></b>&nbsp;I never have any complaint about Luxie brushes. It's soft, fluffy, and applies makeup beautifully.&nbsp;</li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UyLkpGNjzko/WSRr1BnpbMI/AAAAAAAAFUk/sKDPCnYOBa4kHIDMtDH4FCiHOHDUP1WKACLcB/s1600/34847195845_32aee9ea9d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="may ipsy glam bag" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UyLkpGNjzko/WSRr1BnpbMI/AAAAAAAAFUk/sKDPCnYOBa4kHIDMtDH4FCiHOHDUP1WKACLcB/s1600/34847195845_32aee9ea9d_o.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, this was a great bag and I'm very pleased with what I was sent. At only $10, this bag was a great value, especially since all of the products this month were so nice.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Have you tried any of these? <a href="https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=ppage_ref&amp;sid=link&amp;refer=10dtm3" rel="nofollow">Want to sign up for Ipsy?</a>&nbsp;</i></b></div>Amanda Faganhttps://plus.google.com/104056992897010471347noreply@blogger.com0